New Mercedes-Benz B-Class on sale in Singapore from S$179k with COE
Third-gen Mercedes-Benz MPV still isn't cheap but now has a far more exciting cabin and improved comfort
SINGAPORE – The new third-gen Mercedes-Benz B-Class small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has debuted in Singapore.
Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive
One engine variant, the B 200, is offered with two trim levels, Progressive and AMG Line, with the former priced at S$178,888 with COE and the latter priced on application.
Progressive trim variants receive 'Spiral-look' interior trim with Artico leather upholstery, 18-inch double-spoke allow wheels and comfort suspension.
Mercedes-Benz B 200 AMG Line
The AMG Line models receive 'Carbon-structure' interior trim, Artico leather with Dynamic microfibre upholstery, 18-inch AMG design wheels, the AMG diamond grille pattern, and the same comfort suspension as Progressive models but lowered by 15mm.
READ MORE: Tested In Singapore: The new Mercedes-Benz A 200
As described in our international test drive of the B-Class, we've found that the car has become more comfortable to drive, with increased poise, and has a much nicer, feature-filled interior with all the latest Mercedes tricks.
The B 200 is powered by the same 1.33-litre inline four-cylinder turbo engine as found in the A 200 hatchback, it makes 163hp and 250Nm of torque. 0-100km/h time is 8.2 seconds, the top speed 223km/h and fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km. The car nets a Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) rating of B, netural.
Standard equipment includes the dual 10.25-inch screens, one for the driver, the other touchscreen-enabled for the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia/infotainment system.
Besides the touchscreen, you can also use the touchpad, the steering-wheel mounted sensor pad, or voice control to interact with the system. Navigation is standard, as is smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tunes are played through a 10-speaker, 225W 'advanced sound system'.
Comfort features include keyless entry/start, a hands-free tailgate feature, dual electric front seats. The second row of seats is adjustable, so you can expand the boot from 455-litres to 705-litres, or flip them down for 1,540-litres of space.
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There are quite a few safety features as standard, including tyre pressure monitoring, a reverse camera, run flat tyres, six airbags, auto parking, and autonomous braking (Active Brake Assist).
At S$179k with COE, the Mercedes surely isn't cheap, but Merc fans don't seem to mind. It's in line with the A-Class hatchback's pricing, which hasn't stopped that model from doing well.
Alternatives to the B-Class include the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (five seat, starting from S$148k with COE) and Gran Tourer (seven-seat, starting from S$154k with COE) and Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan, which starts at S$120k with COE.
And now for something completely different: Mercedes' first ever EV, the EQC, tested!
Derryn Wong
Has a keen interest in all things mechanical, technological, animal and mineral. Is particularly fascinated by eco-cars and cars which make no logical sense. An avid motorcyclist and photographer, he also enjoys cats.