Convenient in a luxury package

Mercedes-Benz unveiled Tuesday a sportier and more high-tech minivan at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

The redesigned model is the third iteration of the nameplate. It's also the third body style of the new generation of compact cars Mercedes, following the class-A sedan unveiled in February and the class-A sedan unveiled in April.

Until now, only the class A sedan has been confirmed for sale in the United States. It is assembled in a factory in Mexico and will arrive in the exhibition halls in the form of a 2019 model.

We do not expect Class B to be sold here. We received the previous generation in electric version only, but it was discontinued after the 2017 model year. An EQA sedan from Daimler's EQ sub-brand for electric cars will finally arrive to fill the void.

It's a shame because Mercedes seems to have made major improvements to the design and quality of the new B-Class. It is characterized by a generous wheelbase, short overhangs and a slightly lowered roofline compared to the current model. It is even available for the first time with 19-inch wheels.

The interior is what we got used to in the latest compact cars from Mercedes. The dashboard is crisp, dual-screen interface and advanced infotainment system with natural voice activation. Instructions can be given starting with "Hey, Mercedes".

The cab has also been improved elsewhere compared to the previous model. For example, there is a better passage on the central tunnel at the back, which makes the central seat more accessible. The rear seatback comes standard with a 40:20:40 split.

The new B-Class is also set up for private ridesharing: the infotainment system lets you share the vehicle with friends and family members. The access to the vehicle and its operation is simple and secure using an application.

Powertrains are typical inline-4 turbocharged, with some diesel engines included in the mix. The big news is the addition of a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox in some variants. Others stick to the old seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Front wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive will be available later. A hybrid plug-in option is also expected at a later date.

The MFA2 front-wheel drive platform is the foundation for the new generation of Mercedes compact. For the B-Class, the engineers aimed to match the agility of the previous model while improving handling and comfort. Some strategies implemented include the use of rubber pads to reduce noise and vibration from the suspension to the bodywork. The suspension was also lightened with aluminum, this unsprung mass was reduced.

Despite its heavy image, the B-Class is an essential model of Mercedes' portfolio, particularly in Europe, where its superior seating position appeals to older buyers and its spacious interior designed for young families. At the Paris Auto Show, the Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback and GT 43 Coupe 4-door models, as well as the new Mercedes-Benz GLE and Mercedes-Benz EQC SUVs, as well as the Smart ForEase concept car celebrate his 20 years.

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