Mercedes-Benz B-Class diesel to be launched today

Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch the diesel-powered B-Class in India on July 11, 2013. The diesel motor doing duty under the hood of the B-Class is the same that powers the diesel Mercedes-Benz A-Class, C-Class and the E-Class. The 2.2-litre turbocharged oil burner will feature the same state of tune in the B-Class as it does in the A-Class hatchback, which means that it will churn out 109PS of power and 250Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox that sends power to the front wheels of the car.  [Update: Mercedes-Benz B-Class launched at Rs 22.60 lakh]

The Mercedes Benz B-Class diesel will be launched in one variant only that will feature most luxury and safety features of the top-end B-Class petrol, however, it will miss out on kit like the a dual sun-roof and will ride on smaller 16-inch alloy wheels. The premium interiors of the B-Class including leather upholstery, the COMAND interface and the array of safety features such as ABS, Collision Prevention Assist, seven airbags are all expected to remain standard on the diesel B-Class.

Prices of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol models range between Rs 21.90 lakh and Rs 25.60 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), hence, expect the price of the diesel B-Class to fall within the bracket.

Mercedes is expected to price the B-Class diesel a shade under the entry-level petrol model that currently retails at Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The B-Class will continue to be sold as a CBU in India till 2014 after which the car will be assembled from CKD kits at the company’s Chakan plant in Pune.

Also read: 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class : Special Coverage