Mercedes launches B-Class for Rs 21.49 lakh onwards

Mercedes has launched its big B, it’s MPV-ish ‘sports tourer’ for Rs 21.49 lakh onwards, ex-showroom Mumbai. At this price, you get a turbocharged 1.8-litre 122bhp petrol that drives the front wheels mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that helps it achieve a top speed of 190kmph. It has paddles behind the wheel to shift gears, and it also has a built-in stop/start system that helps it achieve a fuel efficiency of14.81kmpl.

As expected, there are a raft of safety features, including seven airbags, Attention Assist in higher-spec variants, and also features that make life easier like hill hold assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and an electronic parking brake. The owners will also appreciate the Bluetooth streaming and colour display and a panoramic sunroof.  In another move that is a value addition to the consumer, Mercedes is offering a two-year / unlimited km warranty and a third year warranty is included free of cost in the Star Care.

If you’re looking to book the car now, there’s bad news for you; all 250 cars for the current calendar year are booked, with deliveries beginning in the next few days. Mercedes is still accepting bookings, however, but expect a long waiting period with deliveries beginning in January onwards. The CKD operations will not commence for a while yet because the numbers will not justify the investment needed.

There are two variants, B180 and B180 Sport that has an AMG package. The former will be available for Rs 21.49 lakh and the latter for 24.87 lakh ex-showroom, Mumbai. There is no diesel engine right now because of the low quality fuel available in the country. The diesel is slated for a launch next year, during the Diwali season.