Mercedes Benz launches B-Class Diesel in India

Mercedes Benz India has just launched the diesel powered version of the B-Class. A largish hatchback projected as a "Sports Tourer", the B-Class is bigger than the A-Class in terms of dimensions. Currently, the car is a CBU import, with CKD assembly due to begin next year. Priced at 22.6 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Mumbai, the car uses a 2.2 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel engine, in the same state of tune as that of the A-Class. The engine outputs 109 Bhp-250 Nm, and is mated to a 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, which gets paddle shifters. 

The motor is capable of propelling the B-Class to a top speed of 190 Kph. The addition of diesel power to the B-Class is aimed at bringing in more sales as diesel engined models are preferred by luxury car buyers in India. Mercedes Benz has managed to sell 500 units of the petrol powered B-Class model, a car that was launched nearly a year ago in India. Notably, the B-Class Diesel is the fifth car launch for the German luxury car maker in India from the beginning of this year. (G63 AMG, GL-Class, A-Class, E-Class are the other launches) 

The B-Class Diesel is available in a single "Style" variant, which omits features such as 17 inch wheels, the panoramic sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp cleaning and LED Daytime running lamps, to make for the lower price tag. Compared with the petrol powered B180 Sport model, the Style version of the diesel powered car also omits "Sport" styling details on the outside and inside.

The omission of features is a clear sign that the B180 Diesel is positioned as an entry level version aimed at boosting volumes. ABS+EBD, 7 Airbags, ESP, Acceleration Skid Regulation, Attention Assist, Hill Start Assist with Hill Hold and Adaptive Brakes are standard safety features on the car. Cruise control, ECO start-stop system and the COMAND multimedia infotainment system are other standard features on the car.

On a side note, the 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine found on the B-Class Diesel is a motor that is one of the most popular engines in Mercedes Benz's Indian line up of luxury cars. Available in various states of tune, the engine is now used on Mercedes Benz car models such as the A-Class, B-Class C-Class, E-Class and the ML-Class. Some versions of this engine are assembled by Force Motors, an engine assembler for Mercedes Benz in India. 

The B-Class Sports Tourer is based on the Modular Front Architecture (MFA), which underpins the entry level luxury cars in Mercedes Benz's range. A front wheel drive layout (in the interests of lower weight and cost, and higher fuel efficiency) and an affordable price tag are the two major highlights of the MFA based cars. The MFA platform can also support the all wheel drive layout, think A45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG models.