While Mercedes-Benz rolled out the second-generation of the B-Class at the 64th IAA in Frankfurt this past September, the German company continues to release new pictures of its compact MPV.

This time, Mercedes published a fresh batch of 38 photos, perhaps in an effort to maintain interest in the 2012 B-Class amidst the storm of new arrivals that are swamping the media.

Unlike the upcoming A-Class, the new B-Class has retained its predecessor’s “sandwich” platform.

While the exterior design does not depart significantly from the model that it replaces, the interior is all-new –and all for the better since it adopts Mercedes’ latest styling elements some of which, such as the chrome-ringed round vents, were first introduced in the SLS AMG supercar.

The new B-Class is available with two engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, in 122HP (B180) and 156HP (B200) guises, and a 1.8-liter common rail turbodiesel with an output of 109HP in the B 180 CDI and 136 HP in the B 200 CDI.

Mercedes’ compact MPV is available in four equipment levels, while for the first time the 7G-DCT dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox is on the options list.

PHOTO GALLERY