Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new generation of its B-Class people carrier.

It features a lower roofline than the outgoing model, giving a sleeker appearance, while the wheelbase has been extended by 30mm.

Mercedes says the seating position for occupants is now flatter and more comfortable, with increased headroom, while an increase in cabin width creates more elbow room.

From mid-2019, a sliding row of rear seats with be available, allowing boot capacity to be extended from 455 to 705 litres.

Much of the car’s onboard technology is familiar from the new A-Class small family car which was launched earlier this year, including the MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control.

Like with the A-Class, there’s a pair of screens in front of the driver – an instrument display and a multimedia touchscreen – with both coming in 7in, or with one or both upgraded to 10.25in.

Autonomous emergency braking is standard, while other available safety systems include Active Distance Assist Distronic, which can adjust the car’s speed based on upcoming road features such as bends or junctions.

Five engines will be available at launch – 1.3-litre petrols with 136hp or 163hp, a 1.5-litre diesel with 116hp, and 2.0-litre diesels with 150hp and 190hp.

All will come with seven-speed automatic transmission except for the bigger diesels, which come with an eight-speed auto ‘box.

Combined fuel economy is up to 52.3mpg for the petrols, up to 68.9mpg for the 116hp diesel, up to 62.3mpg for the 150hp diesel and up to 64.2mpg for the 190hp diesel.

CO2 emissions are from 124g/km for the petrols; from 109g/km for the 116hp diesel; from 112g/km for the 150hp diesel; and from 116g/km for the 190hp diesel. 

Mercedes says the 2.0-litre diesel meets the Stage 2 Real Driving Emissions standard, which would mean it avoids the 4% diesel BIK surcharge applied by the UK government for company cars. 

Other engines will join the range subsequently, as will the option to have four-wheel drive. 

Order books for the new B-Class will open on 3 December, with deliveries due to begin in February 2019. 

Prices are yet to be announced.