New Mercedes-Benz B-Class to cost from £26,975

UK pricing details have been announced for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which will go on sale in Spring 2019 starting from £26,975.

Mercedes says that the MPV offers more dynamic handling and comfort than its predecessor, thanks to technology and features taken from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The third generation B-Class, developed under the internal codename W247, is the fourth of up to eight new compact models to be launched by the company, following the fourth-generation A-Class hatch and saloon.

When it launches in the UK, four engines and two trims – Sport and AMG Line – will be offered. The entry-level B180 Sport, which uses a 1.33-litre petrol engine, starts at £26,975, rising to £32,375 for the top-spec B220 d AMG-Line, which is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel.

Sport models sit on 17-inch wheels, and come with the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system and a seven-inch touchscreen. AMG Line models adds 18-inch wheels, exterior bodywork upgrades and revemaped interior equipment, including a three-spoke steering wheel and sport seat. As well as the two trim levels, a series of optional packages will be available.

The new B-Class retains the one-box silhouette of its predecessors but with a smoother form that reflects the firm’s latest design language. It also features the ‘predator face’ seen on the A-Class.

The five-seat rival to BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer is marginally longer (4359mm), wider (1786mm) and taller (1557mm) than its predecessor, with a wheelbase of 2929mm and a reduced drag coefficient of 0.24.

The new B-Class has short overhangs, designed to maximise interior space, and will be offered with wheel sizes ranging from 16in to 19in.

When order books for the B-Class open, there will be a choice of four engines: two petrol and two diesel. The B180 and B200 will use the four-cylinder 1.33-litre M282 petrol engine, with 134bhp and 148lb ft, and 161bhp and 184lb ft respectively.