Launched: Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI

The 'Luxury Tourer' goes diesel. With a 2.2-litre engine under its hood

The fight between the German luxury carmakers is intensifying by the day. While Audi is going the performance car way with the RS5 and S6 (launching tomorrow), Mercedes has chosen a completely different path. They think the hatchback way is the way forward. Last month they launched the gorgeous A-Class in both petrol and diesel engine options and now they’ve launched the diesel avatar of the bigger hatch, the B180 CDI. While the A-Class impresses with its flamboyant styling, this one has a more practical way of looking at life.

The B180 was available only with a 1.6-litre petrol block under the hood. But you can now have your ‘Tourer’ even with an oil burner. This is the same 2.2-litre engine that does duties in the A-Class and the E-Class, just that this one puts out 108hp and 250Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that channels the power to the front wheels.

To keep the costs in check, Mercedes has got rid of some of the features that the petrol version gets, like the Park Assist and the reversing camera. This one also misses out on electronic adjustment for the passenger seat and a sunroof.

So by doing all of this, Merc has managed to price the B180 CDI lower than its petrol avatar. And to be specific, its Rs 22.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). So, you see, things are changing fast. You don’t need to shell out more money to get yourself a diesel-powered car compared to a petrol one.

Then, which hatchback with a three-pointed star would you go for? TheA-Class for its styling or the B-Class for its space and practicality. Tell us in the comments below and also check out our road test of the new B180 CDI, right here.