Mercedes Benz launches the B-Class Diesel

We told you that Mercedes Benz will launch the B-Class diesel variant and well, here it is. Mercedes today launched the diesel version of its luxury tourer in Mumbai with much fanfare. The German company has been on a spree and has already launched close to 5 new cars in the past six months- the G63 AMG, the Gl-Class, A-Class, E-Class and now the B-Class in the diesel avataar.

The introduction of the B-Class diesel comes 9 months after the petrol variant and Mercedes Benz India, MD, Eberhard Kern, said that they had sold more than 500 petrol B-Class cars in that span of time. He went on to say that, the B-Class petrol had done decent numbers which they had expected.

The B-Class diesel will be available only in one variant - the B180 CDI Style and will get the 2.2-litre powertrain. This diesel engine will churn out a hefty 109bhp and 250Nm torques. It gets the same 7-G Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shift in combination with a multi-function steering wheel.

Safety features like ABS, ESP, Acceleration Skid Control, Hill start assist, Brake assist system and a tyre pressure loss warning indicator make their way into this luxury tourer. It also comes with a Audio 20 CD infotainment system with dual tuner. USB, Aux-In and Bluetooth interface takes care of the entertainment inside the car.

Mercedes Benz has priced the B-Class diesel at Rs 22.6 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai) and mind you though the diesel A-Class is priced at a close 21.93 lakhs, it is highly unlikely that there will be cannibalism.

The A-Class has already made waves in its own way and now the luxury tourer is all set to make its own stand. Will this be Mercedes' year? There's still time for the year to end, and we are waiting to see, who wins the battle and ultimately the war.