| Mid-life model revamp | Mercedes-Benz B-Class |
A mild makeover for the Mercedes B-Class hides some important changes under the hatch's skin. Mercedes is introducing its start/stop technology with the B-Class, which works in a similar way to BMW's Stop-Start available on the
1 Series.
Merc's start-stop function switches the engine off when the car is sat still, such as at traffic lights. It then restarts the engine as soon as the driver releases the clutch or brake pedals. This improves economy and emissions by 9%, says Mercedes.
Start-stop will only be available on the B150 and B170 Blue Efficiency models. However, the other petrol and diesel engines in the B-Class range also have fuel consumption reduced by up to 7%.
Other new technology that will be seen on the revised B-Class first includes emergency interior and brake lighting. In the event of an accident, the interior lights come on automatically to help occupants get their bearings. The braking system works by flashing the brake lights to warn following cars of emergency braking.
Park assist will also be available with the updated B-Class, which searches parking spaces for ones that the Merc will fit into. When the driver wants to park, the system works the steering automatically to fit the car into the space.
Mercedes will announce prices and specs of the revised B-Class nearer to it going on sale in the UK in the autumn.
Alisdair Suttie - 19 Mar 2008