奔驰近日在巴黎车展发布了全新开发的2019款B级车，该车从内到外都进行了重新设计，搭载了新的动力系统，驾驶舱采用了大量高科技，其中包括半自动驾驶系统，这主要得益于升级后的传感器和取自S级的系统。外观上，新车的前悬更短，采用了取自A级车的多光束大灯。车身侧面古怪的雕刻感设计和卡通风格的尾灯组已经不见。实际上，新款B级的很多设计与A级车一样，虽然如此，但新车看起来仍非常漂亮。新车内装可提供三种选择，入门级车型配备一对7英寸显示屏，另外还有7英寸显示屏加10.25英寸显示屏，顶级款提供一对更大显示屏。取自A级车的MBUX信息娱乐系统现在发挥了全部功能，让B级车买家能通过标配的触控显示屏实现更多功能。至于车厢内的空间，新车在设计时注重提升进出后排座椅，特别是后排中间的座椅的便利性。这样的改进可以更有效的提升空间利用率。不过，奔驰表示，新车储物容积与老款车“差不多”。预计新车的空间进一步增加，不过在后排椅背直立的情况下，储物容积实际上还略微减少，从原来的1545立升降至1540立升。虽然储物容积没有增加，但新车最加分的地方是提供了更多高科技配置，包括取自S级的智能驾驶系统，在某些行驶环境下具备半自动驾驶能力，这也是B级车历史首次提供这项功能。该车还提供了包括主动制动和车道保持辅助等安全系统。至于动力系统，新车搭载的2.0升柴油引擎功率110千瓦/148马力或140千瓦/188马力，搭配八速双离合器自动变速器。另一台1.5升柴油引擎取自A级车，还有两台1.3升四缸汽油引擎，功率分别为100千瓦/134马力和120千瓦/160马力。与引擎搭配的还有七速变速器。奔驰表示，未来还将增加新的引擎选择并将提供全轮驱动系统。
2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Brings Semi-Autonomous Tech To Paris
Welcome to the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The don’t-call-it-a-minivan compact crossover wears a familiar shape for 2019, but it’s all-new inside and out with fresh sheet metal, new powertrain options, and a vastly updated greenhouse with plenty of tech – not the least of which is semi-autonomous driving capability thanks to a bevy of updated sensors and systems borrowed from the S-Class.
Before diving into all that technology, let’s take a look at the first thing everyone will see. Spy photos already tipped us off to the styling makeover Mercedes engineers performed on the previous-generation B-Class, and we're happy to say those odd proportions are a thing of the past. The overhang up front is much shorter, with multi-bean headlamps from the A-Class illuminating the way. The odd sculpting on the sides is gone, as are the cartoonishly large taillights. In fact, there is a considerable similarity to the entry-level Mercedes model all around – as we knew there would be – and the result is a new B-Class that’s rather handsome indeed.
Inside is where the real wow factor comes into play, as the B-Class goes digital. There are three options to choose from, with entry-level models getting a pair of seven-inch displays. A seven-incher with the larger 10.25-inch display is available, with top-tier models getting a pair of the large displays. The MBUX infotainment system from the A-Class is now in full effect, giving B-Class buyers access to its array of functions through a standard touchscreen.
When it comes to space, this is where we’re a bit surprised. Design changes make ingress/egress a bit easier, especially for folks stuck in the middle rear seat. The changes also allow more efficient use of space, but Mercedes admits cargo capacity is “roughly the same” as the current model. We were expecting the B-Class to gain some space, but with the rear seats folded, cargo capacity is actually down ever-so-slightly, from 1,545 liters (54.6 cubic feet) to 1,540 liters (54.4 cubic feet).
What the B-Class lacks in new space, it makes up for in spades when it comes to technology. Aside from the aforementioned MBUX upgrade, the compact people carrier also gets Intelligent Drive from the S-Class, with semi-autonomous capability in certain circumstances for the first time in the model’s history. It’s also graced with a suite of safety systems, not the least of which are active braking and lane-keep assist, among others.
Some familiar powertrain configurations make the transition to the new B-Class, but there are some new options as well. A 2.0-liter diesel available in either 110-kilowatt (148-horsepower) or 140 kW (188 hp) format is among them, as is the fresh eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other power options include the 1.5-liter diesel from the A-class, and a pair of 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engines making either 100 kW (134 hp) or 120 kW (160 hp). The seven-speed transmission is also available, and Mercedes says additional engine options – as well as all-wheel drive – will be offered further down the road.