Beyond the sandwich concept and Mercedes' new design language (also evident in the new M-Class and CLS 4-door coupe by the way),
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| Beyond the new look, the B-Class is packed full of impressive features and equipment. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Mercedes is touting its adaptive damping system, electromechanical power steering, increased safety (again thanks to the sandwich), available chrome or sports package, climate control (THERMOTRONIC - which stands for Telemetric Hypoallergenic Environmental Reverse Monitoring Oversight Temperature Regulation Optimization Neutralization with Ionic Calibration... just kidding, I don't think it stands for anything, Mercedes just seems to like capitalizing things these days.. maybe they figure that the smart disaster was due to lack of proper capitalization (as opposed to not getting the right models to the right markets and following a well-developed and feasible business plan)... where was I? Oh yes, what will be available on the B-Class. The list continues with sat nav (Comand aps) and available continuously variable automatic transmission (AUTOTRONIC). And if you stayed with me throughout that previous run-on sentence I commend you for being as attentive as I am long
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| The top of the line model is the B200 TURBO, which, as the name implies, is turbocharged. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
winded. It's funny. I don't talk like that person to person. I talk like a Hemingway character. "It has good brakes," or "What kind of sandwich?"
The top of the line model is the B200 TURBO, which, as the name implies, is turbocharged. This engine produces 193 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, which should be enough to move even your slightly above-average-weight American family to school, work and back home again. That would be if it was sold to Americans. But it's not, so ha. In its Canadian-only application it will get you to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds when equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission and eventually all the way up to 225 km/h. Good luck explaining that speed to your wife by saying, "I just wanted to see what it could do?"
