Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Design

The third generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class has evolved rather significantly. Gone is the dowdy looking MPV of old, replaced by a sharper and more modern looking exterior. Up front, you get a sleeker looking LED headlight with integrated DRL, housed in a more aggressively styled front bumper design, accented with chrome inserts. The front radiator grille with silver-painted twin-louver is reminiscent of an old-school bi-wing airplane, punctuated by the massive Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star.

Like its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is based on the platform of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class but offers more room in the cabin. The lower ride height and a shorter front overhang gives the car a more touted stance, and despite gaining a few millimetres in the overall height, it is barely noticeable thanks to the generously raked A-pillars and the slopping roofline.

The Proggressive line also brings along a chromed front apron, side sill panels, 18-inch five-twin spoke alloy wheels, blacked out lower rear bumper with chrome accents, and a pair of unapologetically fake trapezoidal exhaust exits. And like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the MPV features a hatchback style opening at the rear with an integrated roof spoiler.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Dimension

Apart from its height, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is identical in every measurable dimension compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback. It is taller by 122 mm and weighs in at 1,410 kg.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

Like its exterior, the interior design has improved significantly, not entirely surprising seeing that almost the entire cabin has been lifted wholesale out from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which we all have come to know and love.

As standard on the Proggresive line, you get the dual 10.25-inch freestanding display with the full Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), 3-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the aviation inspired turbine-style air vents. The cabin is dressed in black Artico leather upholstery, black open-pore Linder wood trim, gloss-black inserts, and accented by satin chrome finishes.

Driver now sits lower compared to the predecessor, and all-round visibility is excellent thanks to the vast windshield and taller windows. The boot measures in at 455 litres, expandible to 1,540 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded. Convenient MPV features like powered sliding rear doors and sliding/reclining rear seats are not available here.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Features

As standard, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes equipped with power adjustable comfort front seats with memory function, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, 64-colour interior ambient lighting with 10 colour theme, 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function.

Creature comfort like keyless entry and powered tailgate with handsfree operation are also available as standard, Unfortunately, it only comes with a single-zone automatic climate control with no rear air vents. In terms of driver assistance tech, the MPV comes equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Driving Performance

Engine

The Mercedes-Benz B 200 is powered by the same M282 1.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Mercedes-Benz A200 hatchback. Developed in partnership with Renault, the power unit delivers a respectable 163 PS at 5,500 RPM and 250 Nm from 1,620 RPM. 0-100 km/h is dealt with in 8.2 seconds before maxing out at 233 km/h.

Transmission

Power is sent to the front wheels via the Getrag 7-speed dual clutch (wet) transmission. 

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Ride Comfort

A passive Comfort suspension is fitted as standard. And like in the Mercedes-Benz A200, it features a MacPherson strut up front and a comfort-oriented torsion beam system at the rear. Looking past the SUV-like driving position and the less-than-refined engine character, the car offers a pleasantly comfortable ride with great sophistication when dealing with bumps and road imperfections.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Conclusion

A sleeker looking Mercedes-Benz B-Class means that there is now even less distinction between itself and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback. With a footprint that is largely similar to its hatchback counterpart, apart from its raised ride height and taller roof, it fails to offer a real unique selling point. 

It is not flexible nor convenient enough to be a true MPV, while the hatchback simply edges it in terms of style and driving dynamics. But In isolation, it is still a very good car, just one that require a whole lot of convincing for you to buy over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.