Mercedes Benz B-Class diesel variant to launch in India in June 2013

Back in September 2012, Mercedes Benz launched its first-ever premium Multi Utility Vehicle in the form of the all-new B-Class Sports Tourer at a starting price of Rs 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai.)

The premium MUV that combines the versatility of an MUV and the ride quality of a sedan did really well in the Indian market - in just within few hours of its launch! The German auto giant had slated 250 units of the luxury compact sports tourer in the first round of sales in India and all the 250 units had a pre-booking slip attached on its windshield by the day of its official launch. By October 2012, all the 250 new owners had the B-Class parked in their respective garages.

Even though the Indian market responded really well to this brand new segment, the B-Class line-up was missing the much-favored diesel range. Now however, Mercedes Benz has finally confirmed that the diesel variant of the B-Class compact sports tourer will be rolled out in the country in June 2013. Right about the time, the Mercedes Benz A-Class is scheduled to grace the Indian market. 

Currently, there are only two petrol variants of the B-Class that are being offered on sale in India - the B180 and the B180 Sports - both of which are being powered by a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder unit. 

Also, at the moment all the units of the B-Class are being imported into the country via the CBU route and will be later assembled in India from 2013 at the company plant in Chakan near Pune - alongside the Mercedes Benz C-Class, the E-Class, the S-Class and the M-Class. Also, joining the local-assembly-wagon, would be the automaker's upcoming premium hatch, the A-Class. 

With the new and upcoming segment of compact crossovers, premium automakers are attempting to appeal to the younger and highly aspirational audience. And going by the response of the young audience to the petrol powered B-Class, it is safe to assume that the diesel engine powered model will create even more noise in the country.