New B-Class

[grayb]

Spent the weekend with old friends, one of whom has ordered a new B-Class. She has been driving various E-Class saloons for the last twenty years but felt the need to downsize having now retired (at 55 - jealous, moi?). Her main comments about choosing the car were that quite a few of the luxurious things that she had come to expect from the E-Class were simply not available on the B-Class - which she thought was short-sighted of MB, as there must be plenty who would like a smaller car specced with some luxury. Secondly, the only trim colour available was black - no options. Her current E-Class has a lovely pale grey interior.

I have taken a quick look at the B-Class configurator and it does suggest that black seats are the only option - even though the photo on the start page for the B-Class clearly shows a car with tan seats...

All in all, I got the impression that she was awaiting her B-Class arriving next month with mixed feelings.

 

[grayb]

Spot the ivory interior here:

So MB UK just aren't allowing people to choose any different interiors?

 

[Srdl]

I’m not sure what downsizing has got to do with retirement. Since I retired, I’ve gone from 192bhp to 231bhp and now 367bhp. I keep saying this will be my last “treat” but it never quite happens.

 

[grayb]

I’m not sure what downsizing has got to do with retirement. Since I retired, I’ve gone from 192bhp to 231bhp and now 367bhp. I keep saying this will be my last “treat” but it never quite happens.

I agree with you. If I was her, I would have just kept the E-Class she likes so much...

 

[Blobcat]

I took a look at the configurator, not much (any) choice of interior for the U.K. just black plastic. I never choose black interiors.

 

[Monday]

I had a similar problem ordering an E300 coupe in Jan 18. My wife wanted hyacinth red which was a colour much emphasised in MB advertising of the coupe/convertible at that time. And showed it with a light beige interior which looked really good. But the UK configurator only had black, black/red, black/white (really??) and saddle brown.. Clearly light beige is available but not in UK. She settled for black/red which fortunately does not clash with the hyacinth red, if you are of a flamboyant persuasion

 

[grayb]

I never order new cars, but I do know that if I look at Autotrader it is much easier to find a BMW with a light coloured interior. MB-UK seem to have a fixation with black.

 

[Blobcat]

I never order new cars, but I do know that if I look at Autotrader it is much easier to find a BMW with a light coloured interior. MB-UK seem to have a fixation with black.

Try getting an Audi in anything other than depressing black...

I ordered my W213 new and that was really nice light interior with black ash wood, you can't get that option anymore just the alumina. Can't get grey leather or the Kallaite green any longer, very restricted for the UK

It also costs £3,295 to put leather seats into an AMG line (they're standard in the SE...)

 

[A.J.]

B class ?? not my favourite MB I am afraid. Just hope it fits with her life style

 

[grayb]

B class ?? not my favourite MB I am afraid. Just hope it fits with her life style

Easier to get elderly passengers in and out and easier to park in the village/market town where they live, apparently were the reasons.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I’d have thought a GLA would’ve done the job too, and they have much nicer trim options.

 

[grayb]

I’d have thought a GLA would’ve done the job too, and they have much nicer trim options.

Yes, maybe. Personally I think the GLA is pretty ugly... (ducking from the responses hurled my way).

 

[Andy.M]

oi you better duck

GLA is not particularly easy entry, can be awkward due to a wide sill.

 

[Capra]

Yes, maybe. Personally I think the GLA is pretty ugly... (ducking from the responses hurled my way).

It's their SUV, not sure how pretty SUV's are? I know there is not much love the CLA.

 

[Blobcat]

It's their SUV, not sure how pretty SUV's are? I know there is not much love the CLA.

Although the CLA shooting brake looks quite nice.

 

[Capra]

Although the CLA shooting brake looks quite nice.

Yes, very true, I didn't mind the CLA, but I was really just looking at the AMG, a cheaper move into AMG.

 

[grayb]

We did ponder the GLA45amg as a left field tow car - but you can't fit a tow bar on them...

 

[Capra]

We did ponder the GLA45amg as a left field tow car - but you can't fit a tow bar on them...

Should hope not...