Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the B-Class with a diesel engine in India by December 2013. The company will start the local manufacturing of the car by early 2013 alongside the A-Class hatch which is expected to be launched in March 2013.
The two cars are based on the Mercedes MFA platform and will spawn a number of products in the future. The MFA platform will also be used for the new A-class, CLC, GLC SUV and selected Nissan models as part of the Daimler-Renault-Nissan alliance.
Mercedes-Benz launched the new B-Class in India in September with a petrol engine option only creating a new category of “Sports Touring” for premium compact cars. The B180 is powered by a 1595cc engine which develops max power of 122bhp@5000rpm and max torque of 200Nm@1250-4000. We can expect the B180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY to make it to India. The 1796cc engine produces a max power of 107@3,200-4,600and Max Torque of 250Nm@1,400-2,800rpm. Transmission options may include either a 6-speed manual or 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic which is currently standard on the B-Class in India.
The B-Class comes with safety features like Attention Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a tyre pressure loss warning indicator.
Globally, the B-Class has been a run-away success with over 75000 units sold within the first few months of its launch.
