It wasn’t exactly the world’s best-kept secret, and now, what appears to be the first (official) exterior photo of Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming second generation B-Class, is also doing the internet rounds.
The new B-class will be seen by the public for the first time at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show next month, before sales roll out next year. With this model, Mercedes is targeting buyers who are mostly interested in versatility and comfort.
The German automaker recently published official photos of the interior while also detailing the mini MPV’s specifications. Dubbed internally the W246, the new B-Class has grown in size measuring 4,359mm long (+86mm), 1,786mm wide (+9mm) and 1,557mm (-43mm) tall. Unlike the upcoming A-Class, the new B-Class continues to use the outgoing model’s modular sandwich floor.
The new B-Class’ rear seat backrest can be divided and folded according to the ratio 60:40 as standard. As an option, there’s the “EASY-VARIO-PLUS” system, which amongst other things, allows the rear seats to be positioned differently along the longitudinal axis by up to 140 mm.
The five seat model will be offered with a new 1.6-liter gasoline engine delivering 122HP and 200Nm (147.5 lb-ft) in the B180 and 156HP and 250Nm (184.4 lb-ft) in the B200.
Diesel options at launch include a 1.8-liter turbocharged unit rated at 109HP and 250Nm (184.4 lb-ft) in the B180 CDi and 136HP and 300Nm (221.3 lb-ft) in the B200 CDi.
Given that the Frankfurt Motor Show is just around the corner, it shouldn’t be long before Mercedes-Benz fully reveals the new B-Class.
Story sources: Mercedes-Benz , Autofans [H/T to Pieter!]
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