V8 engine fitted in B 55

Mercedes-Benz trainees have constructed a one-off Mercedes-Benz B-Class B55 with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive as a project completed in their training workshop. The idea came from Rastatt plant manager, Peter Wesp, and the brief was quite simple.

1. The spatial concept of the B-Class was to remain unchanged.
2. Only minor conversions allowed on the outside too.
3. Interior was upgraded to the new vehicle class they were aspiring too.
4. The conversion has to be suitable for day-to driving.

A standard B-Class B200 CDI was used for the project and the standard engine was replaced by a 5.5-litre V8 developing 388hp together with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Twin exhaust pipes at the rear capture the burbling sound of the V8 and the car has parts poached from the C32 AMG and E-Class as well.

Mercedes-Benz B 55 with V8

Painted in a trendy white with dark-painted louvres and smoked headlamp lenses the B-Class certainly stands out but only gives a discreet impression of the power beneath the bonnet. Although no official performance figures have been released the Mercedes-Benz team is confident the car can reach 0-100 km/h (62mph) in under 6 seconds. Mercedes-Benz car leasing on the standard B Class range is also on the site now.

C-Class

The BlueEFFICIENCY range of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel is extremely fuel efficient offering you 58.9 combined mpg and also only emits 127g/km CO2, making it an ideal executive company car. Mercedes-Benz car leasing for a C-Class C220 Blue EFFICIENCY SE 4-door diesel saloon starts from £308+VAT per month.

The Mercedes- Benz car leasing terms are based on the following;

- Non-maintained business contract hire over three years at 10,000 miles per annum.

- Only three months rental in advance followed by 35 subsequent rentals. (38 payments in total)

- “With maintenance”, metallic paint and other vehicle options can be added at an extra cost.

- The image shown may not represent the exact model.