We drove: Mercedes-Benz Class B // Keeping up with others

It is clear that the success story often depends on the price of the car. If this is still not convincing, many will eventually be convinced by the price. And common sense. After all, we drive, use, and not just watch. Of course, someone also buys a car to see (or even prefers to see if a neighbor is watching), but there are still few of them. In other words, they belong to a slightly higher class of cars than the B-class, but since 2005 they have been chosen by more than 1.5 million customers. nothing respectable. Despite its shape.

Now B is also embarking on a new path. Especially with a new design. It is with the latter that Class B is now keeping pace with others. Mercedes, of course. No need to waste words to keep up with the competition. Already the previous B, whatever it was, was a Mercedes. And this is important. For many.

No panic for those of you who have seen a spacious and family-friendly car in the B-Class. It's true that its design is more dynamic than ever and that they wanted to visually separate it from its minivan resemblance, but on the other hand, it's still spacious and, above all, comfortable. The rear bench is still split in a 40:20:40 split, and while there's almost as much room in the back as the current B, the space is easier to use to its full potential. Basically, 455 liters are available, and folding down the rear seatbacks, we get a huge 1.540 liters. And to whom this is not enough - it is expected that in the middle of next year it will be possible to imagine a Class B with a movable rear bench (14 centimeters). Then the passengers will decide on the capacity.

On the other hand, it keeps up with the times. Not with a Mercedes, but with a smaller Class A. We live in a strange time when, in fact, the smallest Mercedes is the most advanced in the family with a star on its nose. Well, he was. It is now equivalent to the B-Class. Of course, thanks to the excellent MBUX display (efforts in the B-Class will be available in three sizes), which provides digital gauges and an exceptional digital center display experience. It's touch-sensitive, of course, for those who don't like tapping the screen, there's a trackpad on the center console and still one of the best steering wheel keys. Or, to be more precise, two micro-small touchpads that do a great job.

While the B-Class is sort of a copy of the smaller A-Class, of course in terms of the MBUX display and security systems, it boasts a few new candies – the smart seats are worth highlighting. Probably, it has already happened to everyone that over time, some part of the body became numb, if not, fell asleep. This was followed by an awkward movement of the body and the search for a new position that would relieve the painful part of the body. In the new class B, this will no longer be necessary, as the seats themselves will take care of the seat movement a little after a certain time, thus automatically changing the position of the body for a short time. Unfortunately, we spent too little time on the first test to try this new product, but we must admit that it sounds good. The other sugar, of course, is autonomous driving. Following in the footsteps of the largest S-Class, the B can now drive almost alone. The driver still has control, but, for example, at his request, B can now automatically change lanes. It doesn't matter, the future is getting closer than we think.

The dynamic design is also complemented by the engines. They are not athletic, but decent and family oriented. At the start of sales, four will be available (two petrol and two diesel), but soon another one will join them. However, even now the power is more than enough, especially in the more powerful versions. If we add an above average chassis, the robust automatic transmission makes it clear that the B has taken a huge step into the future. The Slovenian representative must decide that the price will not be too high. This will become known only next year, since the start of sales in Slovenia is scheduled for February. The agent has already set high goals for himself: in 2019 he wants to please at least 340 Slovenian customers with the new B-Class.