Mercedes-Benz B-Class CNG to debut at Paris Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz will debut a new version of its B-Class hatchback that runs on Natural Gas at the Paris Motor Show. The new B 200 Natural Gas Drive will be cheaper to run than the petrol model and at the same time will have 16 per cent less CO2 emissions. 

This B-Class will get the Mercedes’ “Energy Space” modular concept, where part of the floor beneath the backseat has a cavity for one large and two small tanks to hold up to 125-litre of CNG. Even with the CNG this hatchback is not a slouch; with 156bhp at tap it can reach 100kph in 9.1 seconds. The car has a range of 482kms on full tank – lowering fuel costs by at least 50 per cent, even when compared with the Blue Efficiency variants. 

Visually, the B 200 Natural Gas Drive also differs from other B-Class models in terms of a few details. Its main characteristics include the distinctive front bumper with strip-form LED daytime driving lights

The B 200 CNG complies with Euro VI emission standards that will come into effect only in 2014. It will be driven by either a manual transmission or a 7G-DCT dual clutch. This B-Class will be available in Europe at the start of 2013 and there is no confirmation whether this will be offered in any other parts of the world.

Mercedes-Benz will launch the B-Class in India at the end of this month or latest in October. For now we will only get the B 180 petrol variant as CBU, while the diesel will be launched at the start of next year. Mercedes may consider launching this model in India next year, as CNG vehicles are still preferred over petrol cars – especially in the luxury segment, for obvious reasons.