First look: A B-Class Benz!

AS expected, Mercedes-Benz will unveil its new B-Class at the Geneva motor show on March 1, and has released first pictures and details prior to its world premiere.

Dubbed a compact sports tourer and around the same size as Mazda’s now-discontinued Premacy mini people-mover, B-Class offers a 4270mm-long body riding on a 2778mm wheelbase.

Despite its compact dimensions, Benz says the five-seater B-Class – which obviously fills the gap between A-Class hatch and C-Class sedan – offers kneeroom approaching that of the S-Class sedan flagship.

B-Class is a definite for Australia, where the compact people-mover market can best be described as insignificant, and will be priced to match its premium orientation.

Expect a $40,000-plus sticker when B-Class is released here in mid-2006, with engine options likely to echo that of the $35,000-plus A-Class.