Mercedes-Benz let it be known that their new small car range, beginning with the recenlty spied 2012 B-Class, has been designed to be as future proof as possible. Mercedes plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version, as well as offering four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.
The old sandwich chassis architecture has been abandoned, allowing engineers at Mercedes to lower the B-Class’s center of gravity by up to 30mm. To some of us, 30mm might not sound like much, but it should provide a much sportier drive than before. All without sacrificing the comfort that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for.
In addition, Auto Express revealed that beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered into the space between the floor and the under tray, which can be used to store batteries, natural gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants, which are all due out in 2013/14.
The B-Class uses a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension setup that is designed to accommodate permanent four-wheel drive. These 4matic models will be available as an option on the more powerful engines in the range, but will also feature AMG models, and the forthcoming SUV.
The conventional engines at launch will also feature a multitude of innovations, with an entirely new petrol and heavily revised diesel engine to choose from. According to insiders at Mercedes, the company is looking to utilize its partnership with Renault in order to offer a range of smaller capacity and even three-cylinder engines to provide the most efficient range possible.
The new petrol powerplant is a direct injection 1.6-litre turbo, and will be available in two different states of tune – with either 123bhp or 154bhp – although a lager capacity turbo unit will join the range later next year.
Particular attention has been given to providing the highest possible torque at the lowest revs – so peak shove arrives at a remarkably low 1,250 rpm, and the new unit won’t be limited to the compact cars either, and is set to be introduced on both the C-Class and E-Class saloons in 2012.
The diesel is a smaller, lighter version of the 2.1-litre unit from the current C-Class range, but this time displacing 1.8-litres, with either 108 or 134bhp. Mercedes engineers claim that it has been optimized for maximum efficiency, and that “even the standard diesel engines will offer the same fuel efficiency as the BlueMotion Golf”.
Less economically-minded buyers will be able to choose a more dynamic “Sport” package, which will offer fundamentally different driving characteristics, with a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension, and passive dampers which can adjust to varying road conditions for greater agility.
The B-Class is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show later this year.
