Mercedes launched what they call the country’s first sports tourer, the B-Class, in India today. Available in two variants, the B180 and the B180 Sport, the cars are priced at Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 24.87 lakh (all prices, ex-Mumbai) respectively.

The cars are powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol mated to an AMG-sourced seven speed dual clutch auto transmission that sends power to the front and not the rear wheels. The car comes with all other Merc goodies - seven airbags, USB and Bluetooth ports, Attention Assist and steering-mounted paddle-shifters. The engine develops 122bhp and 200Nm of torque and can take the 1425kg car to a top whack of 190kph.

The B is currently a fully built import and the diesel is expected by the third quarter of 2013 after Merc completes tweaking their Euro 5 engines down to Indian fuel that meet Euro 4 equivalent regulations. About 250 B-classes have already been booked and deliveries are to commence within the week. The A-Class, Mercedes’ sporty hatch is also on the cards sometime late next year.

Worth the wait, TopGearers? Speak up in the comments below.

Tags: mercedes benz, b class