Play!

The Mercedes-Benz "B-Class," now redesigned for the first time in six years, has finally arrived in Japan.

The grand launch event at Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi, Tokyo, emphasized the new B-Class's concept of "Play!" The presentation, with its domestic feel, seamlessly integrated the B-Class into everyday life, leaving a lasting impression. Future launch events, including a barbecue party hosted by radio personality Piston Nishizawa during Golden Week, a cooking class using Le Creuset kitchenware, a demonstration by world latte art champion Hiroshi Sawada, and events at outlet malls nationwide from May 19th onwards, further reinforce the image of the B-Class as a companion for families. Kintaro Ueno, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Japan, expressed his hope that this new B-Class would attract individuals who have not previously engaged with the Mercedes-Benz brand.


The "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY" is priced at 2.99 million yen. The "B180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports," featuring 17-inch wheels (one inch larger than standard), two louvers on the front grille, and standard "Direct Steering" which varies the steering gear ratio according to the steering angle, is priced at 3.48 million yen. Despite these prices, a key appeal lies in the incorporation of safety features and interior design characteristic of Mercedes-Benz, inherited from its higher-class models.

Specifically, it adopts the radar-based collision warning system "CPA" for the first time in the compact class worldwide, alerting the driver with warning lights and sounds when a collision with an obstacle or a vehicle ahead is imminent. Additionally, the "Distronic Plus" adaptive cruise control system, which maintains and adjusts the distance to the vehicle ahead, is available as an option.

There is ample space in the rear seats and luggage compartment. With the optional "Easy Vario Plus" package, the rear seat backrests gain an adjustable angle and a fore-aft sliding mechanism (up to 140mm).

The interior, designed in line with the latest Mercedes-Benz interior aesthetics, can be further enhanced with the "Exclusive Package," which offers optional walnut trim and leather seats, available by order.

A Key Player Alongside the New A-Class for Mercedes-Benz

Abandoning the "sandwich concept" of the first-generation A-Class, this new "B-Class" emphasizes a wide and low image. Perhaps due to a simplified floor structure, its overall height is 1,540mm, about 65mm lower than the previous model. The wheelbase has been shortened by 80mm to 2,700mm. Conversely, the overall length has increased by about 90mm to 4,365mm. The overall width has widened slightly by 5mm to 1,785mm.

The engine is a 1.6-liter downsized inline 4-cylinder DOHC direct-injection turbo engine. It produces a maximum output of 90kW (122ps) at 5,000rpm and a maximum torque of 200Nm at 1,250-4,000rpm, an increase of 5kW and 45Nm respectively compared to the previous model. The transmission has been replaced with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission "7G-DCT," replacing the CVT.

This new B-Class is the model that debuted at last September'sFrankfurt Motor Show, had its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and shares its architecture with the highly anticipatednew A-Class. As part of the "Mercedes-Benz 2020" initiative, which aims for an annual production of 2.7 million units, this model, along with the A-Class, is expected to be a driving force. In Japan, a new sales approach has been introduced, incorporating maintenance, warranty, and car insurance into the financing, aiming to expand the customer base.