B-Class facelift launch in India may have turned many heads from the segment of niche buyers at entry-level. Though, on the aspect of reforms it wasn’t a big ticket towards the big league. At the cosmetic front, it wore several changes, but engineers have focused on technical aspects equally to deliver better experience than their first attempt in the compact MPV. We strolled around this vehicle several times, and moving our goggles down the face, it was then realized the hot blazing sun focused the tweaks that one can find only if watched carefully. So, just go through the account we have studied, and take a glimpse into the next level amendments of B-Class which it may apparently see in the form of a total makeover except for another facelift.
- Exteriors
On the face, B-Class facelift holds up a new twin-slat front grill with the bold star logo on the forehead. Fresh bumper and cool LED headlamps were too stylish for the cars of this gen. Its sides weren’t a new treat to the eyes, but those 16-inch replaced the 17-inch shod with high profile tyres will ease the driving experience. And the fresh set of bumpers sets it for a hike in length by 34mm. Concluding its last bit of the changes carried, some chrome inputs around the exhausts make it up for a flashy good-bye.
Affirming a branding statement, the nomenclature is introduced with B200 CDI model against the B180 CDI, the reason was its updated diesel engine that sends more power than before, which we will study later on.
- Cabin
Step inside, and one would realize most of it had remained unchanged. Ranging from soft-touch materials to the build-quality, air-con vents and dashboard with brush metal finish are from the past model. Excluding it for the big change, minute amendments like C-Class steering wheel, new color for the tripmemter and a tint of sportiness on the instrument cluster are worth of the feeling of sitting behind a steering of B-Class facelift. The CLA sibling has lent its operation system and the large HD color screen to it for an advanced console. The cabin as an overall experience offers a spacious treatment, with enough room for knee and leg at the rear even. It’s the boot that to an extent caused sour experience on our note despite measuring 488-litres. That’s the spare wheel in the space leaving us grumbled for not stacking our baggage and suitcases properly snug in that small closet.
- Technicalities
As reported before in this column, the diesel engine has turned more powerful than before. To be specific, it is the same displacement of 2.2-litre but company has compelled it to deliver 135PS, which is approximately 26PS more than the earlier one, alongside the 300NM of torque. A 1.6-litre petrol continues to do the job like it used to do before with its 120PS of peak output.
The driving ergonomics are based out of the city’s culture. Light steer, easy cornering, and compact structure make it thoughtful for the lady drivers even. Other than its urban jungle oriented nature, the affordable Mercedes MPV also performs the highway run very peacefully. The three digit figure on speedometer do not takes away the confidence either. Mercedes had officially rated the top-whack at 210kmph. Other factors that were aiding the drive culture are ground clearance and revised suspension which were already on-board of the past model. The refined diesel engines, well-insulated cabin, and on the top of all – a better fuel-economy (approximately 20kmpl) – is like an abundantly decent package for the Indian buyers. After all, that’s the price differentiating others and B-Class facelift from each of them. Petrol motor comes at a price of Rs 27.95 lakh, where the diesel is costlier by Rs 1 lakh, falls at Rs 28.95 ex-showroom Mumbai.
Hence, buying a one of the B-Class facelift is altogether a style statement (not excluding the status quo) as well as utility; both of them bind together in the wrap of luxury and German engineering. So, from our perspective, B-Class facelift isn’t a loss statement at all. Have your say in the comments section below…