The New Model is Seriously Impressive

In the increasingly competitive compact car market, the B-Class has become a quiet earner for Mercedes. It's impressive to think that the previous generation sold 700,000 units worldwide since its release in 2005.C-ClassandE-ClassIt's performing with the same momentum, and in recent years, it's even outperformed the first-generation A-Class. In other words, it's an important model for Mercedes.



With that in mind, the new model was developed with serious intent. While the previous generation felt like a stretched A-Class, this one is different. From the styling to the interior, it has been designed with a strong sense of originality. The coherence from the front face to the cabin is particularly well executed. With a ride height reduced by approximately 65mm compared to the previous model, it combines sportiness with a premium feel.



Personally, I like the "face."SLThe grille with sporty horizontal bars, reminiscent of theM-Classand the headlights with integrated LED accents, common to the



Furthermore, the hardware is also impressive. It sheds the sandwich-structured frame designed for underfloor battery placement and adopts a robust body. This is something you notice immediately when driving, and it seems to be a point of pride for Mercedes. They believe in investing in the right areas, even in a smaller package.

Two Grades for the B-Class

Now, the Japanese specifications for the B-Class come in two grades: the "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY" and the "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports." Both share the same powertrain, with the distinction lying in their equipment. This strategic pricing, starting at 2.99 million yen, is a key factor.



While it may seem obvious now, the base price of a vehicle remains a strong draw, even with optional extras. In automotive magazine features, cars are often categorized by price points like "Under 3 Million Yen..."



The engine is a 1.6-liter inline-4 turbo, paired with the in-house 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT). The previous model used a CVT, so this is a significant change. The combination of a mid-to-high revving engine and a dual-clutch transmission delivers sporty performance. Moreover, the ECO start/stop function ensures good fuel economy. Coupled with the downsized engine, it's clearly a new-generation powertrain.



However, it's not entirely without its quirks when driven. As mentioned, the mid-to-high revving nature means there's some lag at lower speeds. The deep pedal travel also contributes to a lack of immediate responsiveness when needed. Of course, this can be compensated for by using the paddle shifters, known as Direct Select, and it's not an issue if you're not pushing for aggressive driving. It's perfectly comfortable for navigating city streets, and with its lightly tuned power steering, it can be a nimble urban explorer.

This is How Mercedes Should Be

The tire sizes are 16-inch for the standard "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY" and 17-inch for the "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports." Regardless, the ride comfort is firmer than I expected. This seems to be related to the ride height and suspension kit, but a slightly softer setup might be preferable.



Nevertheless, the car achieves excellent stability at higher speeds, which is typical of Mercedes. On smooth road surfaces, in particular, you experience a remarkably comfortable, flat ride. It's a moment where you find yourself murmuring, "This is how Mercedes should be."



Another notable feature is the radar-based collision warning system called "CPA." The car detects the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead and alerts the driver. Ultimately, it provides brake assist, automatically supplementing braking force to help avoid an accident, which is reassuring. Such systems are expected to evolve further in the future.



This is the profile of the new B-Class. Although we've covered it briefly, it possesses more than enough elements to become a hit in Japan, and indeed, worldwide. At this rate, it's sure to surpass the sales of its predecessor. Mercedes' cash cow remains strong.


B180 BlueEFFICIENCY | Mercedes-Benz B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY

Body Dimensions | Length 4,365 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,540mm

Wheelbase | 2,700mm

Tread (Front/Rear) | 1,550mm / 1,550mm

Vehicle Weight | 1,450kg

Engine | 1,595cc

Bore x Stroke | 83.0 x 73.7mm

Compression Ratio | 10.3

Max. Output | 122ps (90kW) / 5,000rpm

Max. Torque | 200Nm (approx. 20.4kgm) / 1,250-4,000rpm

Drivetrain | FF

Transmission | 7-speed AT (7G-DCT)

Suspension (Front/Rear) | Strut / Multi-link

Brakes | Ventilated discs

Tires (Front/Rear) | 205/55R16 / 205/55R16 (225/45R17 / 225/45R17)

Min. Turning Radius | 5.2m

Fuel Economy (10-15 Mode) | 16.4km/L

Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 16.0km/L

Price | 2.99 million yen (Test car with optional equipment: 3.273 million yen)