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Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class gets a major facelift as one of the brand’s most popular models.

Starting price:
From £21,500

From £21,500
Pros:
  • Spacious
  • Luxury interior
  • Extensive standard equipment
Cons:
  • Boot size
  • Slow throttle response
  • Looks
More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a Mercedes-Benz B Class brochure
Request a Mercedes-Benz B Class test drive

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been around for ten years, the second generation coming to the market in 2011 but since then over 350,000 have been sold to buyers wanting a model larger than their A-Class but also the practicality of a compact MPV. It has had a refresh to keep it up with the current competition with its design, equipment and engine range.

On The Road

Performance

There is now a choice of five diesel and two petrol combining efficiency with good levels of performance. The B-Class we had on test was the B200 CDI Sport; a 2.1-litre diesel engine producing 136 hp. As with many Mercedes there is quite a slow throttle response when accelerating which makes you wary pulling away if you need to move off quickly.

It isn’t the fastest of cars but can reach a top speed of 130mph with a 0-62mph sprint in 9.8 seconds using a 7G-DCT seven-speed automatic transmission.

Although the ‘box is very good, in Eco mode the gears are quite short for the overall efficiency but each change feels like it’s lurching you forward. In Sport mode it really does push the car though the rev range and if you prefer to use the steering wheel shift paddles you’ll get even more out of it.

Ride Handling

Comfort suspension comes as standard on the SE and Sport trims giving the B-Class quite a firm yet dynamic ride, so no nasty vibrations from poor road surfaces.

Steering feedback is responsive thanks to the Direct Steering available on the Sport so no unpredictability when out on the roads, not that you’be thrashing it as it is an MPV. But if you want the practicality combined with an entertaining ride, then the AMG Line is an option which will lower the suspension with increased sportier handling.  

Styling

Because it’s a Mercedes-Benz you do expect the B-Class to be very refined, but it isn’t. The lively 2.0-litre CDI is quite noisy at idle and becomes progressively so as you go through the revs.

It’s better once at cruising speeds and wind and road noise isn’t excessive either due to the well insulated cabin.

In The Car

Behind the Wheel

Mercedes-Benz do interiors really well of late, they are well thought out and done to a high standard.

The cabin is extremely comfortable with a mix of leather and silver honeycomb inserts giving it a premium feel. The nicely designed air vents also add a uniqueness to the brand that set it apart from rivals.

There is good all-roundvisibility for the driver, if you need extra help when reversing the rear camera features guidelines so you can perfect your parking.

The silver instrument dials are really clear with a 4.5-inch TFT colour display offering up plenty of information including navigation, media and trip which can be scrolled through using the steering wheel controls.

The now standard, seven-inch centre screen looks very much like a tablet, although it does make you wonder why they designed it so that it’s always on display, rather than being hidden when the car is not in use.  

Space & Practicality

The B-Class is very spacious for driver and passengers with plenty of headroom even for taller people.

Boot capacity is a decent size at 488-litres with the split folding rear seats flattened to increase it to a three-times-bigger 1,547-litres. A split-level boot floor conceals a collapsible stowage box which is ideal for putting in those pesky items of shopping that tend to roll around.

Families will make use of the practicality as there are plenty of storage compartments located around the cabin, under the driver and front passenger seats, in the front doors and there are folding tables for rear passengers. Very useful.

Ownership

Running Costs

Stop-start helpsthe B 200 CDI return a combined 70.6mpg, the nearest we got was around 58mpg which isn’t too bad. With just 107g/km of CO2 emissions it will cost £20 in annual Vehicle Excise Duty so running costs will be low. If you’re looking for it to be lower still, then the B 180 CDI ECO returns 74.3mpg emitting just 98g/km.

It is priced from £22,950 which seems quite high for the size of car, although the badge will add on the pounds as it is a lot more luxurious than rivals. The model we had on test was £27,820 with costs mounting due to an interior package which added heated seats, LED high performance headlamps, Garmin SD navigation and active parking assist with Parktronic and metallic paint at £575.

A panoramic sliding sunroof comes as an option costing £1,195.

Quality & Reliability

Mercedes-Benz has a good track record when it comes to reliability, the B-Class has never had any issues regarding problems or recalls. In terms of quality the B-Class rates highly as the interior materials are of such a premium standard, suprising for such a lowly model in their range.

Safety & Security

There is plenty of safety equipment on the B-Class including Attention and Collision Prevention Assist, dual-stage airbags and head, knee, side and windowbags, Acceleration Skid Control, Anti-lock braking system and crash-responsive emergency lighting.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class also performed extremely well in the Euro NCAP safety tests in 2011 earning the full five stars, scoring 97% for adult occupant protection, 81% for child.

More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a Mercedes-Benz B Class brochure
Request a Mercedes-Benz B Class test drive
By Olivia Gauch
Apr 16, 2015

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