Mercedes-Benz sells its one-millionth B-Class

In India, though, the B-Class was only introduced in late 2012 and since then it has done reasonably well in both petrol and diesel avatars. In fact, customers who wanted a practical, large and well-equipped luxury compact MPV lapped up the initial quota of about 300 petrol cars almost overnight. 

The B-Class shares its platform with the likes of the Mercedes A-Class, CLA and GLA and features a transversely mounted engine with a front wheel drive layout. Launched initially in 2005, the B-Class was a popular alternative for families who wanted a larger hatchback but still wanted the luxury and brand appeal that is associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. 

According to data from Mercedes-Benz, the most popular versions of the B-Class have been the B180 in both petrol and diesel variants. The current B-Class, in its second generation can also accommodate engines from larger Mercedes-Benz cars, which was not technically possible in the first generation B-Class. The B-Class is available in India with only a 7-speed automatic although available with a manual in other countries worldwide.

Mercedes-Benz will also be launching new low-emissions versions of the B-Class including ones powered by natural gas and electricity. The natural gas version of the B-Class will go on sale in Europe in early 2014 and will be available in the B200 spec. The B-Class Electric Drive will make its worldwide debut in mid-2014 in America and in Europe in late-2014. According to Mercedes-Benz, the B-Class Electric Drive will have a range of 200km and will be a zero emissions vehicle.