Official Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A- & B-Class Pictures

[cawimmer430]

Not bad, not bad. I know most people will flame it but when you drive it it's actually a neat experience. They're very good cars and I want an A-Class. 


A-Class

Earlier this month Mercedes-Benz took the covers off its facelited B-Class range and now we have first details about the 2009 model year update for the smaller A-Class. Due for release in the second half of the year, the new A-Class gets a slightly revised look, a revamped interior and a cleaner engine range.

New to range is fuel saving engine stop-start technology for the volume A150 and A170 models as well as the addition of an ultra-frugal A150 BlueEfficiency model, which gets by on just 5.8L of petrol per 100km (40.5mpg) yet still delivers a reasonable 95hp. Other fuel saving technology include aerodynamic enhancements, low rolling resistant tires and an extensive weight saving program. The most economic model remains the 82hp A160 CDI, which consumes just 4.5L of diesel per 100km (52mpg).

The cabin gets new material choices for the seats and door linings, plus buyers can also opt for brushed aluminum or wooden trim.

Key visual differences between the 2009 model and its predecessor include new shape headlights, wraparound taillights, and revised bumpers sporting larger air-intakes. The range also features several new grille designs depending on whether the car is equipped with either Avantgarde or Elegance specifications.














B-Class

"Better shape than ever"

Mercedes is seemingly in the middle of updating the majority of their cars. Yesterday we brought you the facelifted M-Class and today Mercedes has released official details of the refreshed B-Class. The current generation B-Class has been on the roads since 2005, reaching a sales figure of 325,000 units.

The 2008 Mercedes B-Class features a newly styled hood, grille, front bumper, high-brilliance tail lights, rear bumper and an entirely new engine choice with the B 170 NGT BlueEfficiency. Engine tweaks result in a 7% fuel economy increase while emissions are well below current EU regulations.

The new natural gas powered B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) BlueEfficiency is capable of running on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while still delivering 85 kW / 116 hp of power, equal to that of the petrol powered version. A fully fueled B170 NGT can cover over 1,000 km.

The Mercedes B-Class range consists of the B150 (95 hp), B180 CDI (109 hp), B200 CDI (140 hp), B170 (116 hp), B170 NGT (116 hp), B200 (136 hp) and the range topping B200 Turbo (193 hp)."

[Colin]

TThat's more like it............ a subtle facelift that does not ruin an elegant looking car, unlike the horrors perpetrated on the SL, and to a lesser extent the front of the SLK!

Not sure about the "A" class, though.......... the only one I have driven to date was an A180 CDi Auto, and it was not a pleasant experience! The engine was the real culprit, and the gearbox made a bad situation worse. rest of the car was up to the mark, though.   

[Galaxy]

I really like the B class since the interior space it offers compared to the size of the car is excellent. To bad Mercedes-Benz is dumping the sandwhich floor for the next generation. The A class always looked a bit akward to me, especially the rear and the usuable space is greatly diminished. How much more is the B class? There really is not any reason to buy an A over a B if the surcharge is within reason.

[TheIntrepid]

I don't notice any difference in the B-Class.

[2o6]

Cool. Wimmer, why don't you get an A-class?

[Raza]

I kind of like the A class 3 door, but for some reason the front end isn't doing it for me like the old one did.

I must ask.  Why would you buy one of these over a Golf?

[hotrodalex]

Both of those look really nice, I love the blue color on the B class.

[the Teuton]

It's a Honda Fit with an S Class front end. 

[hotrodalex]

It's a Honda Fit with an S Class front end. 

Is that a bad thing?

[nickdrinkwater]

Neither of them look anything like the Honda.

[Galaxy]

I must ask.  Why would you buy one of these over a Golf?

The interior packaging of these two really is quite clever (though the B more so then the A) they offer a lot more space especially trunk space then the Golf. Unfortunately the sandwhich construction requires engines that are not compatable with the C class so the sandwhich layout is being disgarded for the next generation.

[Raza]

The interior packaging of these two really is quite clever (though the B more so then the A) they offer a lot more space especially trunk space then the Golf. Unfortunately the sandwhich construction requires engines that are not compatable with the C class so the sandwhich layout is being disgarded for the next generation.

Sandwich layout?

[Galaxy]

Sandwich layout?

My typo. It has nothing to do with brooms and magic.

[Raza]

My typo. It has nothing to do with brooms and magic.

Now I'm even more confused.  What's a sandwich layout/construction?

[Galaxy]

Now I'm even more confused.  What's a sandwich layout/construction?

In the event of an accident the engine/transmission. gets pushed under the passenger cell. This allows them to make the front of the car shorter. They can use the space better.

Wich/which/witch  was my typo.

[Raza]

In the event of an accident the engine/transmission. gets pushed under the passenger cell. This allows them to make the front of the car shorter. They can use the space better.

Wich/which/witch  was my typo.

Interesting.  Is that kind of like how on some older cars, if you got into a bad accident, the engine and transmission would fall out so they don't get pushed into the cabin?

[hotrodalex]

Interesting.  Is that kind of like how on some older cars, if you got into a bad accident, the engine and transmission would fall out so they don't get pushed into the cabin?

Yep, it's like that on semi trucks too.

[Cookie Monster]

I really like that A-Class 3 door.
Don't care for the B-Class though. Looks crappy.

[Vinsanity]

does this really belong in luxury talk?

[ThunderCharger]

I really like the B-class, but the A class... eh, just not my type of car.

[Raza]

does this really belong in luxury talk?

At least they have real wood.

[mrs hounddog]

I have a hard time finding any of these cars in this size to have any usefulness at all other than fuel economy and they provide no asthetic pleasure.  I guess if you really want the MB name but can't come up with the money for a real one otherwise what's the point?  Are these even made in Germany?

[dinkeldorf]

LOL we just got back from test driving a B 200 Turbo auto. For us it's not a matter of cost but the darn thing is more spacious than you'd believe with the high H point. And with a decent size trunk too. Doesn't actually drive that well - CVT & Turbo = blech. But the space is amazing.

[Raza]

I have a hard time finding any of these cars in this size to have any usefulness at all other than fuel economy and they provide no asthetic pleasure.  I guess if you really want the MB name but can't come up with the money for a real one otherwise what's the point?  Are these even made in Germany?

They're sold in Canada (apparently since Dink drove one), but they're mainly a European car.  Luxury in a small package is in much higher demand there, and even small cars from mainstream brands come with high end options like navigation and keyless ignition.  The A class (and I assume to a lesser extent, the B) competes with the Golf range, including the GTI.  So if someone were in the market for a GTI-like vehicle but he was badge conscious, the A class makes for a compelling argument. 

[cawimmer430]

Not sure about the "A" class, though.......... the only one I have driven to date was an A180 CDi Auto, and it was not a pleasant experience! The engine was the real culprit, and the gearbox made a bad situation worse. rest of the car was up to the mark, though.   

I've driven the A180 CDI "Auto" as well. The A- and B-Classes are not available with an automatic transmission but with a CVT transmission which Mercedes calls Autotronic. The Autotronic is a major power sapper and harmonizes terribly with weaker engines. I found the A180 CDI "Autotronic" to be pretty zippy despite the CVT. The A150 and B170 with "Autotronic" I drove were total dogs. Slow slow slow...

The best engine the CVT harmonizes well with are the A180 CDI, A200 CDI, A200, A200 Turbo, B180 CDI, B200 CDI, B200 and B200 Turbo in my experience.

[cawimmer430]

How much more is the B class? There really is not any reason to buy an A over a B if the surcharge is within reason.

A-Class Price List: http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/media_library/germany/mpc_germany/de/mercedes-benz_deutschland/pkw_emb_nextgen/neufahrzeuge/a-klasse/preislisten_pdf/pkw_a-klasse_preisliste.download.pdf

B-Class Price List: http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/media_library/germany/mpc_germany/de/mercedes-benz_deutschland/pkw_emb_nextgen/neufahrzeuge/b-klasse/preislisten_pdf/pkw_b-klasse_preisliste.download.pdf


I personally would go with the A-Class because it handles sportier. The B-Class might offer a bit more space but it drives like a total grandpa car. Maybe when I am 90 I will consider one. 

[cawimmer430]

I don't notice any difference in the B-Class.

FACELIFTED


PRE-FACELIFT

[cawimmer430]

Cool. Wimmer, why don't you get an A-class?

Maybe in the future. Depends where I live. If I live in the city an A-Class Coupe is very useful. An A170 or A160 CDI would do it. 

[cawimmer430]

I must ask.  Why would you buy one of these over a Golf?

Versatility. 












Rememeber Autobahn (Ralph)? He like regularly drives to France or Switzerland with his A-Class brining along two or three friends and a bunch of bicycles in his little A-Class. 

[cawimmer430]

does this really belong in luxury talk?