Even if Mercedes-Benz B-Class is scheduled to make its official world debut this September at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and after that to go on sale in Europe before the end of 2011, we can gather many of its details today thanks to these leaked shots of its interior.
Analysing these images, we can easily see an important detail: the lack of a conventional gear lever and this means designers are likely to have gone with a steering column stalk design for the car’s dual clutch transmission. Because of this move, more interior space is made in the cabin. Still, models sold in Europe, however, will probably offer a conventional manual option so the centrally mounted gear lever would remain on those.
Another important aspect is interior technology. Here we can see what appears to be an iPad-like touchscreen located at the top of the dash’s center column. Even is the interior is unique overall, the three-spoke steering design, is similar to the one seen on the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. Also we can see the air-conditioning modules have a very retro look that appears more like the units on the SLS AMG supercar and new SLK.
The B-Class will offer two turbocharged gasoline engines and one diesel (in Europe) and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Considering the expectations of American luxury buyers, this car is likely to come in U.S. only with the 2.0-liter 156-horsepower version, even if the 1.6-liter engine is sure to be even more efficient, but is powerless with just 122 horsepower. Both engines are based on Mercedes new M270 line of engines, which use direct injection and turbocharging to maximize torque and efficiency.
The diesels engine develop 109 horsepower in B 180 CDI trim or 136 horsepower in B 200 CDI guise.
Source: Motorauthority
