Benz releases B-class Anniversary

MERCEDES-BENZ has released a special-edition B-class Anniversary Package, which adds a range extra features and up to $4200 to the price of entry-level versions of the small German hatchback.

For an extra $4183 over the standard entry-level B180 manual hatch ($37,875 plus dealer delivers and on-road costs), the cheapest Anniversary Package adds an Autotronic CVT transmission, the Active Parking Assist self-parking system, power-adjustable front seats, Parktronic front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, bringing the B180 Anniversary price to $42,058 plus ORCs.

For an extra $2974 over the standard mid-range B200 auto ($47,090) and B180 CDI auto ($49,090), the Anniversary pack adds metallic paint, powered front seats and a COMAND APS multi-media system comprising 6.5-inch colour display, satellite-navigation, six-CD/DVD player, SD card slot, 4GB hard-drive and Linguatronic voice control.

The B200 Anniversary Package is now available at $50,064, as is the B180 CDI Anniversary Package ($52,064).

There are no changes to the B180’s 1.7-litre petrol engine, the B200’s 2.0-litre petrol engine or the B180 CDI’s 2.0-litre diesel engine.

However, an all-new version of the smallest Mercedes-Benz model available in Australia – following the discontinuation of the A-class here in 2009 – is expected to emerge at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

It will go on sale in Australia in the first half of next year, followed by a replacement for the existing A-class – previewed by the A-class concept at the Shanghai show in April – that should emerge at the 2012 Geneva show next March.