W247 Mercedes-Benz B-Class debuts at Paris Motor Show – A-Class-derived tech, new eight-speed 8G-DCT

The W247 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been revealed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, joining its other siblings in the automaker’s compact car range that includes the A-Class and A-Class Sedan.

Styling-wise, the new B-Class doesn’t diverge too far away from the familiar shape of its predecessor, the W246. However, the roofline is actually lower than before, and together with a smaller end face, help contribute to a drag coefficient value of just 0.24 (down from 0.25).

Up front, the headlamps are more angular in appearance similar to the A-Class models, although it has more rounded edges further away from the reshaped, hexagonal grille. Basic models come with H7 headlamps and LED DRLs, which can be upgraded to LED or Multibeam LED units as well.

Cars with the AMG Line trim package are decidedly more aggressive in appearance with unique front bumper that features slatted corner inlets, a front lip and a single-louvre diamond grille with chrome pins.

Moving to the rear, the two-part taillights are much slimmer units than on the W246 and feature C-shaped lighting signatures within them. The rear hatch is also more sculpted to accentuate the lighting fixtures, with the number plate placed in a more recessed position. Elsewhere, you’ll find reflectors integrated in the bumper as well as a black trim leading to the roof spoiler.

Focusing on the interior, the W247 represents a significant leap forward from the W246, with the brand’s Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) taking centre stage. We’ve already seen this system on the A-Class before, where two screens act as the instrument panel and interface with the car’s infotainment system. Like on the A-Class, buyers will be able to choose from different screen size combinations – two seven-inch displays, one seven- and one 10.25-inch displays, and the ultimate dual 10.25 inch displays.

Interfacing with the MBUX system is done either via the touchscreen in the middle, the touch controls on the steering wheel, the touchpad in the centre console, or with voice recognition (Hey Mercedes). A head-up display is also available as an option.

While the MBUX system is lifted straight from the A-Class, the layout of the B-Class’ dashboard isn’t a carbon copy. Rather than having a full-width trim piece on the dash, the screens are “framed” and separated from another dash inlay that is available in different finishes. Beyond that, the design of the air-con vents, climate control switchgear and centre console are largely similar to the A-Class, although you do sit 90 mm higher here than in an A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz also points out the practical aspects of its MPV that benefits from a longer wheelbase of 2,729 mm (+30 mm) and width of 1,456 mm (+33 mm). The rear seats come as standard with a 40:20:40 split, and when you slide the seats forward by 14 cm and adjust the backrest accordingly, the luggage capacity varies between 455 and 705 litres. For maximum storage, a total of 1,540 litres is available with rear seats folded down, and from mid-2019, an optional folding backrest for the front passenger seat is offered so you can stuff a kayak inside.

The B-Class is available with Energizing seat kinetics that provides orthopaedically beneficial changes of posture by regularly making minute adjustments to the angle of the seat cushion and backrest. You’ll also get ambient lighting with 64 colours and ten colour themes to suit your mood, along with Mercedes me connected services – private car sharing, advanced navigation functions, telematics, etc.

As for safety and driver assistance systems, the B-Class now comes with the Driving Assistance package that includes Active Distance Assist Distronic. Active Brake Assist comes as standard, while other available systems are Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.

Under the bonnet, the B-Class comes with a mix of petrol and diesel engines that all comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP regulation. Starting with the former, there’s the B 180 and B 200, both employing the M282 1.33 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which was developed in partnership with Renault.

On the B 180, the mill makes 134 hp (136 PS) and 200 Nm, while it is 161 hp (163 PS) and 250 Nm with the B 200. Both petrol-powered models come with a seven-speed 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission and particle filter as standard.

As for the diesel side of things, the B 180 d gets the same OM608 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit from the A-Class with 114 hp (116 PS) and 260 Nm. Moving up the ranks, there’s the B 200 d and B 220 d, both with the brand’s 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine that is referred to as OM654q. The added alphabet indicates the presence of an extended exhaust aftertreatment with an additional underfloor SCR catalyst to ensure emissions compliance slated for 2020.

In terms of the output, the B 200 d gets 148 hp (150 PS) and 320 Nm, whereas the B 220 d has 188 hp (190 PS) and 400 Nm at its disposal. While the B 180 d gets the same transmission as the petrol-powered models, the remaining two diesel-powered options come with a new eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. More engine options will be introduced later on, along with models equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Aside from engines, Mercedes-Benz also offers different chassis setups for the B-Class. While the front employs McPherson struts and forged-aluminium wishbones, models with the entry-level engines get a torsion beam and higher-end ones with a four-link rear axle. Lowered comfort suspension and a suspension with active adaptive damping are also offered, with the latter controlled through the Dynamic Select system.

The new B-Class is set to go on sale (in Europe) on December 3 this year, with deliveries slated to start in February 2019. The MPV will compete against the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which was given a facelift earlier this year.

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Learn more: 2018 Paris Motor Show