Mercedes-Benz B-Class facelift for 2008/09

Mercedes-Benz has facelifted its “mini-MPV” (Compact Sports Tourer in Merc speak) with the introduction of its New Generation B-Class for 2009 model year. The 'new' B-Class now features a redesigned radiator grille with triple chromed-edged slats painted in metallic grey, a reshaped bonnet with a more pronounced crease and restyled bumpers, both fore and aft.

Tail lamps have also been refreshed but it will take more than a pair of keen eyes to notice that. Wing mirrors is now more squarish with a mounting pod – much like the new W204 C-Class, than that of the old one (W203).


The 4-cylinder engines of the refreshened B-Class now save up to 7% fuel than before. Petrol models like the B150, B170, B200 and B200 Turbo (193hp) now have fuel consumption figures ranging from 6.6L and 8.1L per 100 km.

By late 2008, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the B150 and B170 BlueEFFICIENCY range featuring the ECO start/stop function as an option. Mercedes-Benz claims further fuel savings of up to 9% can be achieved with this ECO-function, specifically when driving in congested city traffic: with frequent stops at traffic junctions/lights or when caught bumper-to-bumper traffic crawls.

Mercedes-Benz to Axe A- and B-Class in 2011?

Getting wind from the German financial newspaper Wirtschafts Woche, luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has reportedly scrapped plans for successor models to its A & B-Class, due for replacements in 2011. In an about turn, an all new sporty compact hatch has been approved for development by Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche in order to compete head on with the sportier Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. News gathered is that this hatch may even spawn a compact coupe to go head on with the recently unveiled BMW 1-series coupe.

Rumours that add fuel to fire are guessing that at best, there may just be a new B-Class hatch, but this will likely be rear-wheel drive, possibly using a shortened platform derived from the new W204 C-Class.