Marketed as a compact sports tourer, the first generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class was introduced way back in 2012 for just Rs 21.49 lakh. An amount unheard of, while talking about new Mercedes cars. And this move not only brought the premium German marque within the reach for many, but pretty much kicked the hornet's nest, resulting in a blitzkrieg of compact luxury cars in India from every other luxury car makers present in India.
The hatchback, after receiving a few nips and tucks, is back as the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class and is offered with the same reliable 120PS, 1.6-litre petrol engine and an upgraded diesel engine. We get behind the wheels of the C200 CDI powered with a new 2.1-litre motor, straddled with 26 horses more than the outgoing engine.
Design: rating_3.0_rating
Despite undergoing a minor facelift, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has increased in length by 34mm. This is mainly due to a pair of well sculpted new bumpers. There is also a new two-slat chrome grille proudly holding a large Tristar badge. Also making a debut on this affordable Mercedes are full LED head lamps which look cooler than before.
There's nothing new to talk about the facelift B-Class' side profile except the taller 16-inch wheels, that replace the older 17-inch tyres, which definitely doesn't add to the overall appeal but will definitely improve the ride quality. At the back, the new Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI gets smart looking chrome highlights around the exhaust tips to reinstate its new sporty theme.
There's good thought gone in to make the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class appear sportier than before, but it's not as attractive as the A-Class and reminds us of the long gone Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
Interior: rating_4.0_rating
The basic interior layout of the B-Class is retained in the 2015 version, but there are some welcome additions, like a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class type steering wheel, along with a sporty instrument console and new colour screen for the trip metre.
It's the usual Mercedes' affair with soft touch materials and craftsmanship, with great quality of metal buttons, aircon vents and a trendy brush metal strip on the dashboard. There are other bits too borrowed from its siblings Mercedes-Benz CLA, like a larger high-resolution colour screen and the latest COMAND operating system.
The standard car is also pretty kitted up and comes packed with a Bluetooth, cruise control and a couple of USB ports. The B200 CDI also gets an electrically adjustable driver's seat, panoramic sunroof, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, apart from the seven airbags and a bunch of safety features including Electronic Stability Program, ABS, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist with Adaptive brakes and acceleration skid control (ASR).
The biggest selling point of the luxury hatchback is the spacious cabin, comfortable seats and great knee room at the back. Pop open the boot and there's excellent boot space of 488-litres, but in India the spare wheel eats up some of the valuable space.
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