The standard-specification Non-Smoker package replaces the ashtray in the centre console with a 12 V socket and a convenient stowage compartment.
 

The diesel particulate filter filters up to 99 percent of the soot particles from exhaust emissions and does not need any additive. Filter regeneration is initiated by the electronic engine management and controlled by the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gas at the filter. The separated particulate matter on the filter duct walls is burned off at exhaust gas temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius. Filter regeneration is initiated by an increase in the exhaust gas temperature and goes unnoticed by the vehicle occupants and other road users.
 

The ECO start/stop function reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine automatically when the car comes to a stop (e.g. in traffic jams or at traffic lights). If a vehicle is equipped with the ECO start/stop function, a starter/generator is installed in place of the starter. Intelligent control electronics allow the starter/generator to supply the electrical energy for the vehicle’s electrical system and, in starter mode, the torque required to start the engine. Engine start by means of the ECO start/stop function is initiated when the clutch is fully depressed.
 

The standard-fit suspension of the new B-Class features comfortable spring characteristics and a tried-and-tested damping system for high handling safety.

The newly designed chassis of the new B-Class incorporates innovative components such as the 4-link rear axle, the Torque Vectoring Brake and the electric parking brake. Adequate spring travel, friction-optimised support length and exact compensation of transverse forces make for comfortable elasticity. The tuning of the twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers on the front axle has been optimised with regard to driving safety and driving dynamics. In addition noise from the chassis has been significantly reduced using special plastic components between the axle and body. That means that driving in the new B-Class is always peaceful and comfortable.

Speed-sensitive power steering is power steering which is dependent on speed. At high speeds power steering assistance decreases significantly, while at low speeds power steering assistance is continually increased.

The newly developed 6-speed manual transmission is superbly tuned to the engine output, gear spacing and final-drive ratio of the new B-Class and features short and precise shift travel. It includes the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions as the engine is switched off under certain conditions when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition a display in the instrument cluster supports a particularly efficient driving style by providing gear change recommendations.
 

In critical braking situations, specific criteria such as brake pressure and road speed are used to activate the adaptive brake lights if necessary. When activated, the brake lights flash to give drivers behind even better warning of the risk of a rear-end collision.

Studies have shown that drivers’ brake-activation response times are shortened by up to 0.2 seconds when emergency braking is indicated by a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights. At a speed of 80 km/h, this reduction in response time corresponds to a reduction in stopping distance of approx. 4.40 metres. The brake lights flash with a frequency of approx. 3 Hz (with bulbs) or approx. 5 Hz (with LEDs). Tests have shown this frequency to be particularly effective.

As soon as the vehicle is moving at less than 10 km/h or has come to a stop, or Brake Assist is no longer active and vehicle deceleration falls below 6.5 m/s² for 150 ms, the brake lights light continuously again.

The adaptive brake light comes on when:

The airbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the occupants’ upper torso in a collision, and also afford additional stability to the entire body. They are thus able to mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a corresponding collision, the airbag is deployed. For this, a current impulse is sent from the control unit which ignites the kneebag’s initiator, which in turn ignites a solid propellant. The gases which are released in this way fill the airbag. The gases are subsequently expelled from the side of the airbag, away from the occupants.

The gas generators of both airbags work in two stages. Both stages are activated depending on the braking force applied. Depending on the predicted severity of the impact, the first stage of the gas generator is initially activated and the airbag only partially filled (60% for driver and 70% for front passenger). If a higher severity of impact is predicted, the second stage of the gas generator is activated after a slight delay and the airbag is completely filled.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) enhances driving safety, especially when braking for hazards. During hard braking the anti-lock braking system reduces wheel lock-up by modulating the braking pressure of the individual wheels.
This ensures that the vehicle remains directionally stable and steerable while maintaining maximum braking power.
In other words: ABS allows the driver to brake and steer simultaneously – allowing precise evasive manoeuvring – in order to avoid an accident.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) ensures that the wheels do not spin when accelerating. Especially when moving off on snow, ice and loose chippings, the acceleration skid control prevents individual wheels from spinning and the vehicle from sliding out to the side.

The system uses speed sensors to monitor the slip characteristics of the wheels. If the system senses a wheel is starting to spin, the acceleration skid control corrects the wheel speed by braking and intervening in the engine management system, thus reducing the wheel slip and wheel spin.

The ATTENTION ASSIST function is particularly helpful on long journeys and when driving at night; the system warns the driver if it detects signs of failing attention and increasing weariness. This driving assistance system can warn the driver when it identifies typical signs of fatigue, which in turn improves handling safety.

ATTENTION ASSIST continuously analyses driving behaviour and steering movements. If the system detects certain steering patterns that frequently accompany drowsiness, it warns the driver visually by displaying the "coffee cup" symbol in the instrument cluster at the same time as emitting audible signals. ATTENTION ASSIST can be activated and deactivated in the main menu of the instrument cluster under "Assistance systems". When switched on, it is active at speeds between 80 and 180 km/h.

The hill-start assist prevents the vehicle from accidentally rolling in the wrong direction when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator on an incline on the road by maintaining the brake pressure for a short period of time.

Brake Assist can detect emergency braking situations based on the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed and assists the driver by increasing the brake pressure. The system interprets a certain speed at which the accelerator pedal is released and the brake pedal depressed as an emergency situation, and automatically builds up maximum braking power within a few fractions of a second.

Brake Assist is integrated in the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and employs the latter’s technology to control brake pressure. No additional components are therefore required. A sensor permanently monitors the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and transmits this data to the electronic control unit.

If an unusually high pedal speed is registered, the system concludes that there is an emergency braking situation. The system then helps the driver to perform an emergency stop by automatically increasing brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders. ABS continues to precisely meter the braking power up to the slip threshold, which ensures that steering control is maintained. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, automatic brake boosting ceases immediately.

Too small of a gap between vehicles is the main cause of severe accidents. The newly developed radar-based collision warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST can improve safety and ride comfort by warning drivers when the gap to preceding vehicles is too small and can support the driver’s braking when it detects danger.

The new B-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz in its segment which uses a radar-based collision warning system. The system can detect gaps that are too small between the vehicle and objects in front driving at speeds of over 30 km/h. If the system detects the danger of a rear-end collision and a possible impact, the driver can be warned visually and audibly.

If the system detects a danger and the driver brakes at the same time, the adaptive Brake Assist can intervene: it provides the driver with the exact degree of braking power needed to ideally avoid an imminent collision. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is an innovative component of the integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz.

After an accident the interior lighting switches on automatically and helps the occupants to find their way around the vehicle.

In critical situations, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® can help to stabilise the vehicle by applying a braking force to individual wheels and by adjusting engine performance.

If the ESP® system detects a critical situation, it applies the brakes systematically to one or more wheels according to the situation. Should the system consider it necessary, it will also make an automatic adjustment to engine torque. In this way ESP® helps the driver to stabilise the vehicle within the laws of physics – particularly when cornering and during sudden evasive manoeuvres.

-The headlamp assist system reduces the strain on the driver by automatically switching on low-beam headlamps, tail lamps and number plate illumination when it gets dark outside. The assistance system performs this task even when it’s raining or snowing via a signal from the rain sensor.

The Headlamp Assist system uses a light sensor to measure the light level of the surroundings. If light levels fall below a certain level, low-beam headlamps are switched on. If the light intensity of the surroundings rises again, the low-beam headlamps are switched off again. The system ensures the necessary level of illumination for the vehicle at all times, contributes towards handling safety – in particular under rapidly-changing light conditions (e.g. driving into a tunnel or multi-storey car park) – and enhances the driver’s comfort.

A control button below the light switch allows simple, reliable operation of the electric parking brake.

The brake is released automatically when the engine is running, the bonnet and boot lid are closed, the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the gas pedal is depressed. The parking brake is engaged by pressing the control button. This can also be done when the ignition key has been removed. When the parking brake is engaged, a red indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up. The parking brake is automatically engaged if the HOLD function brings the vehicle to a standstill, the engine is switched off, the driver leaves the vehicle, the bonnet is unlocked or the vehicle is still for a longer period of time.

The electric parking brake can also be used as an emergency brake. Press the control button while driving (and hold for as long as required): the indicator light flashes, the message "Parking brake, release brake" appears in the display and a warning signal sounds. Once the vehicle has been braked to a stop, the parking brake is applied.

The ISOFIX child seat attachment system is a quick, convenient, non-vehicle-specific system conforming to ISO standards. It allows quick and easy child seat attachment in the rear. Its fixed anchorage points ensure a high degree of protection in the event of an accident.

A special ISOFIX child seat engages in the attachment points housed in the lower area of the backrest. This creates a rigid connection with the vehicle structure, meaning that seat movements caused by slack or incorrectly fitted seat belts can be avoided. TopTether is an additional safeguard that is attached at a point behind the rear head restraints. It further reduces the risk of the child seat tilting forwards in the event of a crash.

The childproof locks can be used to prevent the doors from being opened in the rear. The locks are set manually for the rear doors and electrically for the power windows.

The kneebag on the driver’s side helps to protect the legs during impact and also stabilises the entire body. It can thus help mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect an accident, the kneebag is deployed.

For this, a current impulse is sent from the control unit which ignites the kneebag’s initiator, which in turn ignites a solid propellant. The gases which are released in this way fill the kneebag. The gases are subsequently expelled from the side of the kneebag, away from the occupants.

The pelvisbags for the driver and front passenger provide protection for the pelvic region and hip in a collision. They are thus able to mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a relevant side collision, the pelvisbag is deployed.

The pelvisbag is deployed in the space between the front-seat occupants’ pelvic region and the door panelling. The pelvisbag then braces itself against the impact area, pushing the occupant’s pelvic region away from the door panelling at a very early stage of the collision.

The TIREFIT tyre sealant enables the vehicle to continue driving after suffering a puncture. The sealant is pumped into the flat tyre using an electric air pump, seals holes in the tyre and allows the vehicle to continue on its way to the nearest workshop.

The ASSYST Maintenance Interval Indicator displays the due date of the next service in the instrument cluster using a calculation based on driving style.

In the event of a sufficiently severe side impact, the windowbag deploys to cover the side windows and reduce the risk of a collision between the passenger’s head and the side of the vehicle or of objects penetrating the vehicle interior. The windowbag is triggered simultaneously with the pelvisbags and always on the side of the vehicle involved in the side impact.

When activated, the windowbag spreads across the side windows between the A-pillar and C-pillar to form a curtain approx. 300 mm in height and approx. 120 mm thick. The windowbag covers a large part of the surface area at the side when deployed.

The windowbag provides the following advantages:

The central locking system can be operated by means of an interior switch. The doors are locked automatically when the vehicle is in motion. In the event of an accident, all doors are unlocked by the crash sensor with the emergency opening function. The tailgate is locked automatically when the vehicle exceeds a speed of 3 km/h. The doors are additionally locked when the vehicle exceeds a speed of 15 km/h.

The doors are unlocked when a door is opened or the interior switch for the central locking system is activated. If no doors or the tailgate are opened for 40 seconds after the vehicle has been unlocked via the electronic key, the vehicle will be locked again. Upon the crash sensor signalling an accident, all doors and the tailgate are unlocked.

The Audio 20 CD multimedia system provides entertainment and can be optionally equipped with the Becker® MAP PILOT navigation system and an integrated CD changer for 6 discs.

Key features at a glance:

The Aux-in socket and USB interface in the centre armrest allow external audio devices and USB mass storage devices to be connected for playback in the vehicle.

The exterior mirrors can be adjusted from the driver’s seat. The aspherically curved glass reduces the blind spot, ensuring enhanced active safety. The exterior mirrors are operated via the buttons on the armrest on the driver’s seat. They can be used to adjust the tilt of the mirrors and, if needed, the heating for the mirrors.

The electronic ignition key enables the vehicle to be locked and unlocked remotely. The key has buttons to unlock and lock the vehicle or to open the boot lid. An LED shows the battery status. A slide controller can be used to open the electronic key and remove the mechanical key. This key can then be used to open the doors manually. The central locking is not activated when using the mechanical key.

The heated rear window prevents the window from icing or misting up due to moisture, ensuring clear visibility to the rear. The timer adjusts the operating time of the heating to the outside temperature and the road speed.

Compared to standard glass, the tinted glass reduces heat radiation from the vehicle, meaning that less energy is required to keep the passenger compartment at the set temperature.

The electric power windows can be operated using buttons in the doors and have an automatic re-opening function.

The air conditioning system has a heating and ventilation system and a refrigeration system. A rotary switch can be used to set the desired temperature for the interior. Depending on the pre-selected temperature and the desired air distribution the air is heated, or if the air conditioning is switched on it can be cooled.

Activating the recirculation function means that no external air is blown into the vehicle interior. To avoid the windows steaming up, air recirculation is automatically deactivated in line with temperature and settings. Depending on vehicle equipment, holding down the air recirculation button closes the side windows and sunroof. Fresh air runs through the dust filter which improves the air quality.

The comfort multifunction steering wheel enables an extensive access to a variety of telematics and vehicle functions/settings. All information relevant to the vehicle is shown in the instrument cluster TFT colour display. The luxury multifunction steering wheel has 12 function buttons and a high-resolution 11.4-cm colour display.

The 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with twelve buttons and display in the instrument cluster is controlled by means of two clusters of buttons on the steering wheel. The left-hand cluster is used to operate the menus, while the right-hand cluster controls the audio and telephone telematics functions. The "Settings" menu allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as light and instrument cluster settings. Optional extras which are not fitted in the vehicle are skipped.

The right-hand button on the luxury multifunction steering wheel in the instrument cluster can be used to select other settings. For example the buttons "pick up phone" or "hang up phone" can be used to accept, end or reject a phone call, and the +/- volume controls also control the volume for the radio and voice instructions.

The steering column is manually adjustable for height and reach, enabling drivers to adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit their requirements.