Since the W246 generation of the B-Class was only launched in September 2011, we though it would seem a bit strange for the Germans to start testing the facelift version so soon.

When our spies first sent us some photos of a camouflaged Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 back in September we didn't take their word for the car being a facelift of the compact three-pointed star MPV ...

The new line-up looks like this: • New A-class (W176), five-door hatchback, FWD only, aimed at age group 30-40, launch October 2012 • New B-class (W246), five-door tall roof hatchback, FWD ...

The A-class is dubbed W176 and the B-class W246 and they’ll be bigger this time: the A is around 4280mm long, the B 4360mm. Merc’s new small cars are taking on the Golf set.