Mercedes B Class 180 CDI make its way to India for INR 22.6 lakhs

Merc B-Class

Mercedes-Benz has launched the diesel variant of B-class in Mumbai. The 'Luxury Tourer' made its debut last year with the petrol variant and now the diesel variant B180 CDI

The ongoing rivalry between the luxury carmakers is quite entertaining with everyone bringing in their A-game  and with this launch the fight has just got intensified. Following this launch Audi is going to launch their performance products S6 and RS5 by tomorrow.

Merc B-Class three quarters

Mercedes is adopting a rather contradictory strategy of selling their products in India. The brand known for luxurious and speedy sedans and SUVs has opted for   'Hatchback' as the selling mantra for India in order to reach to wider spectrum of customers.

While the B-class's younger sibling A-class making its debut last year in both diesel and petrol variants, the B-class diesel is launched with an interesting price. The starting price is Rs. 22.6 lakhs (ex-showroom: Mumbai) which is lower than the petrol variant. Sounds fascinating doesn't it! But in order to reduce the price the German carmakers has sacrificed some of its features found in petrol variant. They have dumped the Park Assist and the reversing camera. This one also misses out on electronic adjustment for the passenger seat and a sunroof. Will the Indians miss these features? We assume not, we will be more elated owning a 'Three Pointed Star' badge car with such an interesting price.

Lets talk about the engine specs in B-class. Mercedes has plumped B-class with a 2.2 liter four cylinder engine which has been detuned to produce 109bhp at 3,200rpm and 25.5kgm of torque from 1,400-2,800rpm. A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends the power to the front wheels. The top speed is rated at 190km/h.The same engine powers the C Class and E Class, though they are in a higher state of tune in the sedans.
Mercedes is claiming a fuel efficiency of 18.98 km/l. (Not ARAI approved)

      
The B180 CDI will be available in Jupiter Red, Cirrus White, Polar Silver, Monolith Grey are the available colors.

So you see the Merc lovers are spoiled for choice between the more eye-catching stylish A-class or a more practical B-class. 

With pricing the diesel variant lower than the petrol one, Mercedes are likely to set a new trend in Indian automotive industry.