Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246)

For an overview of all models, see Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246)
2014 Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI pre-facelift 5-door hatchback (Germany)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler AG
ProductionNovember 2011 – December 2018
Model years2012–2018
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact executive car (C)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive (4matic)
PlatformMercedes-Benz MFA
RelatedA-Class (W176)
GLA-Class (X156)
CLA-Class (C117)
Powertrain
Engine1.6L petrol I4
2.0L petrol I4
1.5L CDi diesel I4
1.8L CDi diesel I4
2.2L CDi diesel I4
Electric motorSynchronous Electric Motor[1]
Transmission6-speed manual
7-speed dual-clutch
1-speed automatic with fixed ratio
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,699 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,359–4,392 mm (171.6–172.9 in)
Width1,786 mm (70.3 in)
Height1,557 mm (61.3 in)
Curb weight1,435–1,650 kg (3,164–3,638 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz W245
SuccessorMercedes-Benz W247

W246 is the internal designation for the second generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which is a range of 5-door hatchbacks produced by German luxury manufacturer Daimler AG under the Mercedes-Benz brand from late 2011 to late 2018. Introduced at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany as a subcompact executive car,[2] models years for the W246 started at 2012 and ranged to 2018. European models went on sale in November 2011. Japanese and Australian models went on sale in April 2012, and Canadian models in late 2012 as the 2013 model year.[3] They were assembled at Rastatt, Germany,[4] and from 2011 at Kecskemét, Hungary.[5] By summer 2013, over 230,000 second generation B-Class cars had been delivered.[6]

Seen as a taller and a more practical alternative to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the W246 was available in petrol, diesel, natural gas, and a battery electric variant. Classified as a small MPV by Euro NCAP,[7] the B-Class features hatchback-directed styling. The Electric Drive model is internally designated as W242, and had started production in the US from 11 August 2014, and was available in Germany from November 2014 to October 2017. The Electric Drive was also Mercedes’ first battery electric vehicle mass-produced vehicle.[8]

In November 2014, the brand had presented the facelifted B-Class W246, which had featured a light headlamp and tail lamp update. The facelift was revealed for the 2015 model year.[9] Production ended in December 2018, and the W246 was replaced by the W247 B-Class.

In August 2014, BMW had launched the 2 Series Active Tourer, a direct competitor to the B-Class.

  1. ^ "2015 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive Advanced Vehicle Testing-Baseline Vehicle Testing Results" (PDF). AVT. Idaho National Laboratory. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  2. ^ "First public appearance of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Mercedes-Benz at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show 2011-09/2014". Daimler. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  3. ^ McHugh, Bob (9 March 2015). "Car Review: Mercedes-Benz B-Class Earns an 'A' in Safety". www.drivewaycanada.ca. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  4. ^ "2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class gets big-car features". Autoblog. 14 September 2011.
  5. ^ "Mercedes-Benz expanding Hungarian plant to support B-Class, CLA production". Autoblog. 16 August 2012.
  6. ^ "Mercedes-Benz at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show - Locally emission-free, powerful and networked - Electric motoring with no compromises: the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive".
  7. ^ "Official Mercedes Benz B Class 2011 safety rating results". Euroncap. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  8. ^ DeGasperi, Daniel (28 March 2013). "Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive: 300Nm torque, 200km range". Drive. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Mercedes-Benz B-Class: B200 Hatchback". Drive. 24 March 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2023.