2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Fuel-Cell is on its Way

The B-Class F-CELL will be the first series vehicle with a local, zero-emission fuel-cell drive and it is set to commence production in early 2010. The compact car is powered by an optimised fuel-cell system that Mercedes-Benz first presented in 2005 in the F 600 HYGENIUS concept. While the newly designed “stack” for the fuel cell module, is roughly 40 percent smaller compared to previous generation systems, it generates 30 percent greater power, along with a 16 percent reduction in consumption compared to the A-Class F-Cell.

The electric motor develops a maximum output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm which promise to give better acceleration figures than a B-Class fitted with a standard 2.0-litre petrol engine. At the same time, the zero-emission fuel-cell drive uses the equivalent of just 2.9 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 km.

But before we get to see the fuel-cell powered B-Class on the road, Mercedes-Benz has to subject the vehicle to rigorous testing in order to get things right. Over the past few months, the German carmaker’s engineers took the B-Class F-CELL up to northern Sweden where they completed the winter part of the tests. - Continued after the jump

The main goal of the German carmaker in these tests was to focus on the interaction between the different components under real-life winter conditions at double-digit, below-zero (Celsius) temperatures. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz also used the winter tests to adapt the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to the special requirements of a fuel-cell vehicle. A special feature in this context is that an electric motor exhibits different speed governing behaviour to that of standard combustion engines.

2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Facelift

After the debut of the revamped SL, CLS & ML-Class along with the semi-new CLC, Mercedes-Benz is continuing to overhaul its range with the presentation of the facelifted B-Class. The German carmaker tweaked the compact MPV’s appearance by restyling the front end that features a new radiator grille with three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey, redesigned bonnet with a more pronounced arrow shape, and a new bumper.

Changes at the back are similarly subtle and include new tail lamp lens design and a remodeled bumper. Finally, the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants. Inside, the 2009 B-Class gets new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions along with diagonally brushed aluminium trim in a smoke grey finish.

The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines – two direct-injection diesel units (109 hp and 140 hp) as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 193 hp. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously. -Continued (Pic edited by Carscoop)

For the diesel models, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped – depending on tyre size – to 5.2 - 5.4 and 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 km, respectively. Depending on the model and engine output, the four petrol variants of the B‑Class return fuel consumption figures of between 6.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 km.

From autumn 2008, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring the ECO start/stop function (optional). According to the German carmaker, fuel savings of up to nine percent can be achieved with the ECO start/stop function, particularly when driving in city traffic with frequent stops at traffic lights or in tailbacks.