With the switch to the new nomenclature – see this article for more detailed info on that – for the compact class, Mercedes-Benz is also expanding the range by adding a series of new models with frugal or very powerful engines.
The B-Class
The roomy almost-MPV Mercedes-Benz compact model gets two new engine versions which will bear the names B 160 and B 180 d BEE (BlueEFFICIENCY Edition). The first is a 1.6-liter petrol engine developing 102 hp and 180 Nm able to run on as low as 5.4 l/100 km for the combined cycle, while still pushing the B-Class to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds (for the 7G-DCT version). The new diesel is the most efficient version of the B-Class with a combined fuel consumption of only 3.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 94 g/km. This makes the B 180 d BEE an A+ vehicle in terms of efficiency class, while still sporting respectable power figures (109 hp and 260 Nm) from its 1.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine.
Starting with December 2015, the B-Class will be available in the fresh trendy colour elbaite green metallic.
The CLA-Class
The coupe version of the CLA-Class has received a power boost for its two Sport models, the CLA 250 Sport and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC, the total output jumping from a previous 211 hp to 218 hp. The maximum torque remains the same at 350 Nm, while the combined fuel consumption is also untouched at a pretty low 6.1 l/100 km for the FWD 7G-DCT version of the CLA 250 Sport.
The summer has been more generous with the CLA Shooting Brake range which has welcomed no less than three new models: apart from the CLA 180 d, there are two new all-wheel drive models, the CLA 200 d 4MATIC and CLA 220 d 4MATIC.
You won’t be surprised to find out the CLA 180 d Shooting Brake uses the same engine as the B 180 d BEE rated at 109 hp and 260 Nm. The fuel efficiency of the engine in the CLA is similar, but has better values for the manual transmission – 3.9 as opposed to 4.1 for the 7G-DCT automatic.
The two all-wheel drive diesels both have a 2,143 cc displacement, but different power outputs: 136 hp for the 200 d 4MATIC and 177 hp for the 220 d 4MATIC. However, fuel consumption is the same for both versions, so that won’t be decisive factor in choosing one or the other (the price will, if you ask me…).
The GLA-Class
It’s the compact crossover that brings the least novelties regarding powertrains, the single highlight being that the GLA 220 d is now 7 hp more powerful than before with a total of 177 hp.
It’s on the inside where GLA has things to brag about, like the latest Mercedes-Benz infotainment generation with its larger 17.8 (7 inch) cm free-standing screen or even a 20.3 cm (8 inch) one.
