Currently reading: Facelifted Mercedes-Benz B-class gets Paris debut
Subtle styling tweaks and revised engines underpin changes to Stuttgart’s popular MPV

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a facelifted version of the second-generation B-class at the Paris motor show.

Set for UK delivery early next year, the refreshed B-class receives a range of mild exterior styling changes, highly quality interior appointments and a more efficient engines.

Those engine changes include a revised version of the Renault-supplied 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel unit that provides the B180 CDI Blue Efficiency with combined cycle consumption and average CO2 emissions that better the outgoing model by 4.2mpg and 4g/km at an impressive 78.5mpg and 94g/km in standard six-speed manual guise.

The highlight of the facelifted line-up is the B-class Electric Drive – a car developed and engineered by Mercedes-Benz in close co-operation with California electric car specialist, Tesla.

Powered by a synchronous electric motor developing 177bhp and 251lb ft of torque, Mercedes-Benz’s first true series production electric car is claimed to provide 0-62mph acceleration in 7.9sec and a top speed limited to 100mph.

Set to rival the BMW i3 and recently introduced Volkswagen eGolf when it goes on sale in the UK with other models during the first quarter of 2015, the B-class Electric Drive uses a 16.6kWh lithium ion battery that is claimed to provide it with a range of 124 miles.

All up, the battery and its ancillaries add some 200kg to the kerb weight, taking it up to 1650kg. By comparison, the i3 tips the scales at a comparatively lightweight 1195kg while the e-Golf is claimed to weigh 1510kg.

Among the stylistic changes brought to the B-class is a new front bumper with larger air ducts for more efficient engine bay cooling, a revised grille and daytime running lamps integrated into the headlamps assembly rather than lower down on the bumper as before.  Buyers can choose to option the new car with LED headlamps, although they are not available on the B-class Electric Drive.

Mercedes-Benz's design team has also tidied up the rear with altered tail lamps graphics and a deeper bumper that houses trapezoidal shaped tail pipes, as seen on the German car maker’s more expensive models.

Despite the changes, Mercedes-Benz says the B-class continues to set the standard in terms of aerodynamic efficiency in its class, with the B180 CDI Blue Efficiency boasting a drag co-efficient of 0.25.

Inside, the new B-class receives updated appointments, equipment and safety equipment, including a new standard 8.0 inch free standing monitor, optional keyless entry and a revised attention assist system that now monitors driver fatigue within an extended speed range from 37 to 124mph and uses a five-stage display.

The B-class will continue to be sold exclusively with four-cylinder engines. On the petrol side they range from a 120bhp 1.6-litre on the B180 through to a 208bhp 2.0-litre with the B250. The diesel line-up starts with an 89bhp 1.6-litre on the B160 CDI and progresses through to a 175bhp 2.2-litre in the B220 CDI. Gearbox choices include a standard six-speed manual or optional seven speed dual clutch unit.

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In a further development, a total of four facelifted B-class models – the 181bhp 2.0-litre B220, 208bhp 2.0-litre B250, 134bhp B200 CDI and 174bhp B220 CDI – will be sold with optional 4Matic four-wheel drive.

Since its launch in 2011, the second-generation B-class has garnered more than 350,000 sales worldwide.

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Add a comment…
fadyady 12 September 2014

Obviouusly

The quick facelift has been necessitated by the BMW's first MPV and the VW's Golf van.
erly5 12 September 2014

Agree with Chris576

Don't know how Mercedes is getting away with it. The current ML is atrocious and the pre-facefilt E-Class has to be the worst incarnation of that model. This B-Class has also had a style bypass. The badge obviously sells these munters.
Jeremy 12 September 2014

Agree erly5

Mercedes have truly lost their way on the styling front - I mean look at the creases down the side of this B-Class! (And I have had a couple of W203 C-class and W211 E class in the past, so I am not prejudiced against MB).
289 12 September 2014

@ Jeremy

...agreed Jeremy, and I am a M-B man through and through!
I am surprised that they have felt the need to update the B-Class 'update' so soon...but I am afraid that putting a 'Regie Renault' engine into their products is the kiss of death. I cant think of a weaker piece of machinery...wait a minute I can...a Peugeot engine!!!
Its gonna take more than another dozen creases to save this mongrel from the kennels.

I passed the current model B-Class on the motorway the other day, and was minded to note that considering it is targeted at busy Mums with children, the low stance, side skirts and front spoiler couldn't be less practical if it tried. Certainly not up to parking up to large kerbs etc - all part of daily family life.
I think they have gone for all 'style' and little practicality here.

Chris576 12 September 2014

It's an eyesore

If you wanted to build this onto the side of your house you'd never get planning permission. Why are car companies allowed to commit such atrocities and mess up our roads with them?

The current crop of Mercedes are some of the ugliest cars ever made and yet still the ridiculous British buy them.