The New Mercedes Benz B-Class

The battle to top the automobile sales charts in Singapore is heating up between the top two players here. BMW has piped Mercedes Benz to top the sales charts by just 220 cars (based on June’s LTA figures). However, with the public launch of the new B-Class small-sized MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle) at Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza on 28 and 29 July, it would interesting to see if Mercedes can reclaim top spot.

Located right smack in the heart of Orchard Road, Mercedes spared little expense in creating a stage where the best of its new B-Class can be exhibited.

Guests and visitors were invited to check-in via the Mercedes Benz B-Class Facebook application, which allowed them to provide real time ‘live’ updates of their movements and actions whilst at the show-tent. Harnessing the power of mobile communications technology, many exhibits at the show-tent were wired up so that everyone who registered could share their actions on social network site, Facebook. Interactive stations like a photobooth allowed them to snap a picture with the car in the background and upload the images instantaneously.

There were also three games stations which visitors could try their hand at for a chance to win a week’s drive in the new Mercedes B-Class. To win, they had to clock the fastest time in completing challenges like loading up items in the boot of the car and piloting, by remote, a model car through a circuit.

Understanding that the high cost of certificates of entitlement (COE) would result in more discerning buyers, Mercedes took the opportunity and luxury of space to showcase the new technologies in the car. There were outdoor demonstrations of the car’s new Collision Prevention Assist system and Active Parking Assist.

The new B-Class will be available in Singapore in its B200 form, which is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 156bhp with 250Nm of torque. It is available in either a basic Chrome Package or a speced-up Sports Package. Fuel efficiency, reportedly 12 percent better than previously, is published at 16.9km/L while CO2 emissions are recorded to be 138g/km.

Prices inclusive of COE start from $168,888 for the basic Chrome trim and from $175,888 for the saucier Sports Package.

Credits: Text: Jonathan Tan, Photos: Jonathan Tan and Manfacturer