Mercedes-Benz says the 2012 B-class, due for launch at the Frankfurt show in September, will lead its class for aerodynamic efficiency. Some models will boast a drag coefficient of just 0.24 - which Mercedes suggests is "nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end."
"A whole range of measures were necessary in order to attain the excellent drag coefficient," explains Dr Teddy Woll, Daimler's head of aerodynamics at Daimler AG. "Apart from an aerodynamically efficient basic design, these include numerous optimisation measures on points of detail, such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the flow of cooling air."
The aerodynamics of the 2012 B-class were optimised using complex computer calculations and flow simulations which required more than 275,000 CPU hours. Models and prototypes spent around 1100 hours in the wind tunnel.
Key aerodynamic features of the new car are:
- aerodynamically efficient exterior mirrors with braces
- low body shoulder at the A-pillar and optimised A-pillar geometry
- sealed front apron, including special seals fitted on the headlamps
- large roof spoiler at the rear defines flow separation
- serrated wheel arch spoilers, optimised arches and wheels
- sophisticated aerodynamic underbody
Serrated wheel spoilers and a host of detail aero features
Innovative serrated spoilers at the front and rear wheel arches (above) combine with slots in the arches and optimised hub caps to reduce drag around the wheel arches. Daimler has a patent pending on the serrated spoilers.
The main floor panel features extensive cladding up to the rear wheel arch, followed by additional cladding of the rear axle. The rear silencer has also undergone aerodynamic optimisation.
An adjustable radiator shutter features even on the basic petrol-engine model and enables infinite adjustment of the air flow through the radiator and the engine compartment. The shutter closes when cooling air is not needed, reducing drag.
These measures combine to give the B-class a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Eco Technology package reduces Cd to 0.24
An Eco Technology package will be optionally available which incorporates additional drag reduction features including:
- ride height reduced
- rear window joints sealed
- aerodynamic cladding added to rear axle
With this package, the B-class's Cd drops to just 0.24.
