Mercedes’ new B-Class will arrive on UK roads in the spring of next year with prices starting at £26,975.
The German manufacturer has opened the order books for the 2 Series-rivalling MPV, which has been completely overhauled for 2019. Mercedes says the new mechanical underpinnings make the car better to drive and more comfortable, as well as “more practical than ever”.
More on Mercedes' new B-Class:
In the UK, just two different trim levels will be offered, with customers getting the choice of four different engines.
The entry-level car will be the B 180 in Sport trim, which is powered by a 132 bhp 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine and is capable of more than 51 mpg on the official fuel economy test.
Standard features for that car include Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, a seven-inch digital instrument display and satellite navigation, as well as a reversing camera, two-zone climate control and keyless push-button start.
A range of safety systems are thrown in, too, with a speed limit assistance system and Active Lane Keeping Assist, which steers back into its lane if it senses the car drifting across the white lines.
Customers spending an extra £1,200, however, can have the AMG Line model, which brings larger 18-inch alloy wheels and AMG bodystyling to the party, plus sports seats with part-leather, part-microfibre upholstery.
Those choosing the higher trim level will also benefit from more subtle tweaks, such as the carbon-structure interior trim pieces and the chrome pins in the radiator grille.
Both trims are available with the 180 engine, or the more potent 200 version, which uses the same 1.3-litre powerplant, but upgrades the output to 159 bhp. It ups the price, too, with the B 200 Sport coming in at £28,305, but it offers identical fuel economy to its less powerful sibling.
Customers who want diesel are offered the 2-litre B 200 d unit, which produces 146 bhp and comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, but costs £29,625 in its cheapest guise. Despite the cost, though, the 200 d is frugal, with the official figures suggesting economy of more than 64 mpg.
If you choose an AMG Line car, though, there is a final engine option. It’s another 2-litre diesel, but it boasts a 185 bhp output, a 220 d badge and a £32,375 price tag. Like the 200 d, it comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and it even matches the more modest unit’s 64.2 mpg economy.
But as with most Mercedes models, the opportunities to empty your wallet into the dealer’s coffers don’t end there.
Those with £1,395 to spend on top of the standard car can have the Executive equipment pack, which comes with a larger 10.25-inch media display, front and rear parking sensors and heated front seats.
The even more expensive Premium package, meanwhile, will set you back £2,259 but adds a larger digital instrument readout, keyless entry and a “mid-range” sound system.
If that’s still not enough, though, you can have the Premium Plus pack, which costs a massive £3,459 and combines the Premium and Executive lines, before adding electrically adjustable memory seats, LED headlights and a panoramic glass roof.
Other packs include the £1,695 Driver Assistance Pack, which provides more safety gizmos, and the £495 Advanced Connectivity package, which adds wireless phone charging and a “digital key” that allows you to use your smartphone as a key.
Gallery: Mercedes B-Class 2019
