STUTTGART, Germany — They are designed to be small, relatively efficient compacts, but the A- and B-Class ranges from Mercedes-Benz are also among Europe's most luxurious vehicles.
The biggest change for the A-Class is the convenient ECO start-stop function for the high-volume A150 and A170 that can switch off the engine when the driver shifts to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes, and cuts fuel consumption by 6.5 percent.
The B-Class cousin is still available with a choice of six engines: two direct-injection diesels with 109 or 140 horsepower, and four gasoline models, with the high-end version outputting a powerful 193 hp. Note the turbodiesel B 180, which can travel beyond 600 miles with only one trip to the gas station.
Mercedes has completely redesigned the headlights and taillights, front bumper and radiator grille and has painted the mirror housings and door handles body color. The B-Class also gets a new hood, grille, front and rear bumper and high-brilliance taillights.
Inside, buyers have the choice of brushed aluminum or wood trim on the high-end variants. A sport package is also an option on the B-Class, which includes leather-trimmed seat bolsters and new fabric for the center console and door panels.
New Mercedes technology includes the adaptive brake light system, which triggers the brake lights to warn other drivers by flashing during excessive braking. Four optional head units are also available for all the Mercedes models, and the iPod interface makes it easy to pick and choose songs with control keys mounted on the steering wheel.
These U.K.-only platforms are currently priced starting at the equivalent of $26,350 for the three-door A150 and $33,500 for the B 150.
What this means to you: A very successful face-lift for Mercedes' affordable, fuel-efficient compact cars. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
The biggest change for the A-Class is the convenient ECO start-stop function for the high-volume A150 and A170 that can switch off the engine when the driver shifts to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes, and cuts fuel consumption by 6.5 percent.
The B-Class cousin is still available with a choice of six engines: two direct-injection diesels with 109 or 140 horsepower, and four gasoline models, with the high-end version outputting a powerful 193 hp. Note the turbodiesel B 180, which can travel beyond 600 miles with only one trip to the gas station.
Mercedes has completely redesigned the headlights and taillights, front bumper and radiator grille and has painted the mirror housings and door handles body color. The B-Class also gets a new hood, grille, front and rear bumper and high-brilliance taillights.
Inside, buyers have the choice of brushed aluminum or wood trim on the high-end variants. A sport package is also an option on the B-Class, which includes leather-trimmed seat bolsters and new fabric for the center console and door panels.
New Mercedes technology includes the adaptive brake light system, which triggers the brake lights to warn other drivers by flashing during excessive braking. Four optional head units are also available for all the Mercedes models, and the iPod interface makes it easy to pick and choose songs with control keys mounted on the steering wheel.
These U.K.-only platforms are currently priced starting at the equivalent of $26,350 for the three-door A150 and $33,500 for the B 150.
What this means to you: A very successful face-lift for Mercedes' affordable, fuel-efficient compact cars. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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