Press Release
Model range and equipment: New generation
- Compact Sports Tourer: a Mercedes-Benz in new dimensions
- 3D effect: outstanding in Dimensions, Design and Dynamism
- Equipment: extensive standard specification and valuable extras for an all-round package
The time is right: the world needs new car ideas.
Just as the values, goals, lifestyles and interests of people change, so their expectations of the automobile change accordingly. The experience factor is gaining in importance, but comfort, practicality, attractiveness and performance are also expected. These are attributes that present vehicle concepts can only offer in part.
In other words, a young generation wants to be different - and drive differently. It is asking for a new form of car mobility, and for new formats.
Mercedes-Benz has the answer: the Sports Tourer concept.
With the expertise of its engineers, the creativity of its designers and the know-how of its product planners, the trendsetter among the automobile brands has developed an incomparable vehicle type which combines the advantages of familiar car concepts and uses new ideas to create a distinctive new profile: the dynamic design of a sports saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate and the variability of a minivan. The result is the Sports Tourer ??????????????????????????????????????? spacious and comfortable, dynamic and confident, attractive and safe.
These are the salient features of two new model series which will enter series production at Mercedes-Benz in 2005. The first will take the stage for the first time at the beginning of March, at the Geneva Motor Show: the new B-Class, the Compact Sports Tourer by Mercedes-Benz.
It is above all the "3D effect" that characterises the uniqueness of this new vehicle category: Dimensions, Design, Dynamism.
It is this effect that makes the new B-Class particularly attractive: there is an urge not only to climb in, but to "clothe" oneself with this car ??????????????????????????????????????? without any compromises where practicality is concerned.
This is supplemented with further typical characteristics which mark the car as a Mercedes-Benz and make it unmistakable: safety, innovation, reliability and the prestigious character of a premium automobile.
Dimensions: compact car on the outside, large-saloon comfort inside
The new B-Class shows its qualities in this area as soon as one enters: despite compact external dimensions ??????????????????????????????????????? the body has a length of 4270 millimetres ??????????????????????????????????????? this five-seater offers the space and comfort of larger saloons or estate cars. This is the result of a sophisticated dimensional concept based on the sandwich principle developed by Mercedes-Benz, in which the engine and transmission are arranged partly in front of and partly beneath the body to save space. As a result, almost 70 percent of the body length is available for the occupants and their luggage ??????????????????????????????????????? an outstanding example of economy of space.
Another advantage is the long wheelbase of 2778 millimetres, which particularly benefits the ride comfort and passengers in the rear: the distance between the seats is 840 millimetres, and at 88 millimetres the knee-room in the rear sets a new standard for cars of this size.
Design: athletic ambience
Design is the second outstanding attribute of the Compact Sports Tourer - extravagant design which awakens immediate enthusiasm for this innovative vehicle concept, while at the same time emphasising the third outstanding attribute of the B-Class: Dynamism.
Typical styling features include the silver-painted radiator grille with four horizontal louvres and the integral Mercedes star, the arrowed front end and the striking contour of the bonnet. These give the front end a wide and particularly muscular appearance, symbolising power, effortless assurance and performance. Viewed from the side, a combination of soft contours and tightly-drawn lines provides a dramatic interaction. The side aspect from the front wheel arches to the rear light clusters is divided by a prominent waistline; this line also rises slightly to the rear, emphasising the wedge-shape of the body - and therefore the dynamic and athletic character of the new B-Class.
Dynamism: agile handling and effortless performance
High-torque engines, newly developed transmissions, the latest safety systems and a sophisticated suspension design provide a driving experience which meets both performance and comfort requirements in equal measure.
A choice of six engines is available for the Compact Sports Tourer - two direct-injection diesel units (80 kW/109 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) with up to 300 Newton metres of torque, which are paired with a new six-speed manual transmission as standard, and four petrol units with a peak output of up to 142 kW/193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres.
The extensive standard appointments of the new B-Class not only include air conditioning, head/thorax sidebags, adaptive belt force limiters and projection-beam headlamps, but also the most up-to-date handling safety features: ESP????????????????????, acceleration skid control and Brake Assist. The newly developed STEER CONTROL steering assistance system is also on board for the first time; this likewise helps the driver to keep the vehicle on course in critical situations. The standard equipment (selection) of the B-Class at a glance:
Optional extras: technology for the most demanding
High-tech systems from the Mercedes-Benz luxury class are available for the new B-Class as optional equipment. These make the compact Sports Tourer even more comfortable, more versatile - and unique. A selection from the range of optional extras:
To make it as easy as possible for customers to choose from the extensive range of attractive optional items, Mercedes-Benz has ensured the maximum scope for flexibility. When placing their order customers are already given a confirmed delivery date, however changes can still be made to the paint finish, upholstery or optional items up to six working days before this delivery date.
Packages: attractive offers for more individuality and practicality
In the new B-Class, Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of today??????????????????????????????????????s customers for more individuality with attractive equipment packages. These particularly enhance three attributes of the Compact Sports Tourer, namely its elegance, dynamism and practicality.
The exterior chrome package (optional) includes:
The optional sports package upgrades the B-Class with the following extras:
In addition Mercedes-Benz has put together equipment packages which further improve lighting, visibility and comfort:
