Let’s face it: cars without a B-pillar have been shown in concept form for the last several decades. Unfortunately, very few have ever made their way to production, with the exception of the Opel Meriva and its unique rear “suicide” doors. Fortunately, Ford’s new B-MAX people mover has no B-pillar whatsoever thanks to The Blue Oval’s Easy Door Access System, which allows for an opening between the conventional front-hinged doors and sliding rear doors to measure in at an impressive 1.5 meters.
The removal of the B-pillar is made possible by a tactical use of high-strength steel integrated into the doors and results in almost twice the aperture compared to the similarly-sized and B-pillar-free Opel Meriva. Unfortunately, the B-MAX won’t have the awesome integrated bike rack system that’s available on the Meriva.
The B-MAX will make its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show, which starts on March 8. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval doesn’t have plans to bring the Fiesta-based people mover to North American showrooms any time soon, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see the Easy Door Access System in a Ford-badged vehicle in the U.S. of A.
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