2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Facelift Appears Online, From RM219k

Seemingly just in time to defend its previously unique position against the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has decided to introduce its facelifted 2015 B-Class B 200 Sports Tourer – dropping the BlueEFFICIENCY title.

Priced identically as before at RM218,888 (without insurance, inclusive of GST), a quick glance over the spec sheet made available on MBM’s local website reveals that while its price hasn’t changed, the sole variant of the B-Class does offer quite a few improvements over the out-going model.

So what’s new?

For starters, there are the minor changes introduced by Mercedes-Benz back in September last year, which saw the B-Class adopt a new front bumper, new LED headlamps, new belt-line chrome strip, a chrome strip around the rear and new LED taillights.

When the facelift made its debut in 2014, it was also the first time Mercedes-Benz offered the B-Class with two of its latest exterior design lines: Urban line, and an AMG line. In Malaysia, MBM have specified the more elegant Urban line for customers here, and it’s a pity that the sportier AMG line is nowhere to be found.

*image above does not reflect local-spec B-Class facelift

EXTERIOR: The front grille now features a two-bar arrangement over the out-going three-bar grille, while the daytime running lights are now integrated into the LED headlamps, rather than feature on the lower bumper – resembling what you’d find on the newer A-Class. The front bumper has also been re-sculpted.

One other significant change for the B 200 in Malaysia is with its wheels, where gone are the seven-spoke 17-inch alloys, and in are a set of 18-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, wrapped in runflats.

INTERIOR: Inside, lots of subtle changes have been poured into the new B-Class, one standout feature being the larger 8.0-inch floating display screen, displacing the previous 5.8-inch unit. The infotainment has taken a boost courtesy of an updated Audio 20 USB player, adding the obvious connectivity to what was already on the pre-facelift B 200.

Also added to the media display screen is a reverse camera display, something the pre-facelift B-Class lacked.

Other updates found inside the car include a new instrument panel with silver coloured round dials and red needles, a new shift lever in perforated leather with contrasting topstitching, a rear armrest and a double cup holder. Omitted from the fully-imported model is however the heated front seats feature – not that we’d need that in Malaysia, anyways.

SAFETY: Largely carrying forward its lauded safety systems, the B-Class benefits from the latest version of its Collision Prevention Assist feature, and also additional airbags (knee bag) for the front passengers.

PERFORMANCE: Under the bonnet, the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine fitted before (also on the A 200, CLA 200 etc.) is retained, and continued to be paired with a 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drive the front wheels.

Power figures are still rated at the previous 156hp @ 5,300rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,250 to 4,000rpm. 0-100km/h is listed at 8.4 seconds, alongside a top speed of 200km/h.