Get ready for the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class! Designed to appeal more to the overall global market, rather than to just European markets, it's been carefully honed, on all fronts, from handling to fuel economy to occupant protection to performance.

Largely inspired by the ultra-sophisticated Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class, even the interior is more comfortable and up-scale than ever. But, perhaps most compelling: The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is based on the company's newest, most cutting-edge front-wheel-drive powertrain!

To match their leading-edge platform, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class gains a fresh collection of four-cylinders, from which drivers can choose. This includes a peppy 120-hp, 1.6-liter, direct-injection gasoline-powered engine and 154-hp, 1.6-liter, direct-injection petrol-powered engine, available in the entry-level B180 and top-of-the-line B200 respectively.

How has Mercedes-Benz made the new B-Class faster than ever? Well, the new engines are part of it. But, many of the gains have to do with the German automaker's attention to aerodynamics. To put the result of their painstaking efforts into perspective: Mercedes-Benz has reduced the drag coefficient on a BlueEfficiency variant (still under wraps) to 0.24. That's on par with the venerably stealth E-Class!

Beyond aesthetics and performance, Mercedes-Benz has integrated their proven PRE-SAFE preventative occupant protection system into the refreshed B-Class - an inaugural appearance of the technology within the CUV's segment. Among the many benefits of PRE-SAFE are reversible belt tensioning and auto closing of side windows and sunroof, should the vehicle's lateral dynamics be compromised.

In addition to PRE-SAFE , Mercedes-Benz offers a suite of other entertainment- and safety-enhancing options. For example: a free-standing color screen, Web access, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive headlamps, collision-prevention assist, and speed-limit-sign recognition.

Stay tuned to learn more about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (slated to arrive in European markets this November).  Mercedes-Benz of Henderson expects more details following the Frankfurt Motor Show, including insight into weather, or not, it will make it stateside.