Mercedes-Benz India, on Tuesday, launched its B-Class compact Sports Tourer, a sub-Rs.25 lakh car, in the domestic market to take on its rivals BMW and Audi. With this, Mercedes-Benz claimed, it had created a new category with the B-class in India.
Targeted at adventure sports lovers in the 28-30 age group, the B-Class combines the versatility of a multi-utility vehicle, ride quality of a sedan, and dynamic performance of a sports utility vehicle. It is a weekend-long drive car for an adventure lover.
Available in two variants B 180 and B 180 Sport, the ex-showroom price in Mumbai is Rs.21.49 lakh and Rs.24.87 lakh, respectively. Before the official launch, 250 cars have been sold, and bookings are being accepted for delivery in January onward.
The car is being imported as a completely-built unit, and now the petrol version is available. Diesel models will be launched in the third quarter next year. The car gives a mileage of 14.81 km a litre.
Globally, the B-Class has been a run-away success with over 75,000 units sold within the six months of its launch. It is the first of Mercedes-Benz’s premium compact cars, and this car has seven airbags. “We are extremely excited with the initial response of the B-Class in India. Our strategy of introducing the segment and then launching the car has been well received by our customers,” said Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India.
“The huge response only demonstrates that the Three Pointed Star is easily the most aspired brand in India, and kicks off a beginning of our product offensive in next couple of year in India,” he added. “The sell-out of the new B-Class in the pre-launch phase convinces us that there is a latent demand for ‘Sports Tourers’ in India, and they are looking forward for cars loaded with features,” he added.
