Mercedes-Benz B-Class hatchback (2011 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Mercedes call the B-Class a sports tourer rather than an MPV, but its real rivals are people carriers such as the Ford C-MAX and Renault Scenic. It’s a striking and upmarket-looking vehicle though, and looks surprisingly sporty for such a car – the lines along the sides represent flair rarely seen on a practical MPV. Mercedes has sculpted the B-Class into the most aerodynamic shape in its class -  it’s five centimetres lower than the old model, without a reduction of interior space.

Our rating: 3

2. Interior

The cabin isn’t as radical as the Ford C-MAX, but there’s a simple elegance and understatement in its styling. The air vents are highlights, with the blades forming a simple but attractive “X” and the eyes are drawn straight to the sat-nav/infotainment controls, which looks like an afterthought and not unlike an iPad, which could have security implications for owners. A number of trims are available, with the wood effect best avoided as it looks particularly plasticy.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

Mercedes say the new B-Class is more practical than the old car, and while it lacks the flexibility of rivals like the Vauxhall Meriva, or larger Zafira, there is more space. This is largely due to Mercedes scrapping the double floor setup which allowed a flat floor at the expense of space elsewhere. In response to customer feedback, the steering position is more upright, and the driver sits higher than the car’s low roofline would suggest, making it very comfortable. The optional EASY-VARIO-PLUS system allows the rear seats to slide by 140mm, increasing boot space from 486 to 666 litres, and offers a foldable front passenger seat to increase space further. Space in the rear is good for two, but the addition of a transmission tunnel – despite it being a front-wheel drive car – robs legroom for the fifth passenger. But despite this, the B-Class has class-leading rear legroom.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

The way the B-Class drives is massively improved over the old model. It feels agile through bends where it remains very stable. The power steering system offers lots of feedback, although it can’t match the Ford C-MAX for driving thrills. It’s refined too, with only a small degree of wind noise and a little more tyre roar breaking the silence. The trade-off is an over-firm ride on both Comfort and Sport suspension settings, and the ride gets progressively more fidgety as the wheel size increases. Some will like the ride as it lives up to the sports tourer tag, but others may find it tiresome.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

A new range of exceptionally refined engines and gearboxes are available in the B-Class and all offer enough power to make nippy getaways in traffic. Diesels will account for the majority of sales, and both the B180 CDI and B200 CDI – despite their naming – are 1.8 litres in size. The B180 CDI develops 109bhp and 184lb/ft of pulling power meaning it’s capable of reaching 62mph in around 11 seconds and a top speed of 118mph. The B200 CDI produces 136bhp and 221lb/ft for a 9.5 seconds 0-62mph time and a 130mph maximum. Both engines are refined unless pushed hard. The petrols are both 1.6-litre units – the B180 produces 112bhp for a 10.4 second 0-62, while the 156bhp B200 cuts this time to 8.6 seconds – and top speeds are identical to the diesels. The all-new seven speed automatic is slow to shift gears and ponders before making a kickdown to allow overtaking – much better is the new six-speed manual.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The second-generation B-Class is 20 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, with the B180 CDI and B200 CDI both returning 64mpg. CO2 emissions are 114 and 115g/km respectively, and the new automatic gearbox improves emissions by 21 per cent over the old auto. Petrol engines are slightly more costly, with the B180 and B200 returning an average of 45.6mpg and emitting 137 and 138g/km of CO2. Prices remain on par with the old B-Class for most models, although the B200 CDI Sport offers extra equipment for a modest price increase.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

The B-Class features new engines and gearboxes and most of the rest of the car is new, so it’s too new to assess the car’s long-term reliability. Mercedes reputation for build quality continues to improve across the board.

Our rating: 3

8. Safety

Although the B-Class hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP yet, it’s likely it’ll score a full five-star rating. Collision Prevention Assist is fitted as standard – a first for a compact car – which lowers the risk of collisions by providing a visual and acoustic warning and prepares the brake assist system to maximize braking. Steer Assist and Torque Vectoring Brake functions increases grip while cornering and tyre pressure warning systems alert the driver should there be a puncture. Driver, passenger, front pelvis, curtain and driver’s knee airbags are fitted as standard. Equipment available as an option includes blind spot detection and lane departure warning, PRE-SAFE tensions the seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof if a crash is detected.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

Two grades are offered: SE and Sport and both are well equipped. SE includes 16-inch alloys, chrome trims, USB connectivity, active park assistance, air-con and front and rear electric windows, while the Sport adds 18-inch wheels with run flat tyres, sport suspension, Artico man-made leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, reversing camera and tinted glass. A number of option packs are available in addition to individual options, including internet connectivity through a compatible smartphone.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The Mercedes B-Class is the only car in its class from an upmarket brand, and for many buyers that will be enough. More tangibly, it is an exceptionally refined car to travel in and is a very safe way to transport family.

Our rating: 3