Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

There are no less than three generations of B-Class cars on the road today. We’ve witnessed a gradual evolution in the model’s look and styling over the years. All have been unmistakably Mercedes cars and, as time has gone on, more and more refinements have been added.  

Just one look will tell you this car is closely modelled on the smaller A-Class. The lines are just a little sleeker. Sculpted panels run across the front and back doors creating a sporty look and the iconic Mercedes star on the front grille makes for an imposing presence. 

Mercedes has pulled off an impressive trick with the B-Class that a lot of cars this size fail to do. It both handles well and is pretty comfortable.  

The suspension is soft enough to soak up the lumps and bumps that are everywhere on roads these days, yet also firm enough to make this relatively top-heavy car avoid any feelings of nausea while going round corners.  

There’s a choice of manual or seven/eight-speed manual gearboxes and a good range of petrol and diesel engines too. The B 180 engines are the pick of the lot if you want a decent bit of power with fewer trips to fill up. 

Settle yourself behind the wheel of the B-Class and you’ll agree this is a cabin that’s a cut above most other small MPVs. In front of you, there are a pair of screens. One has all the driving information you need; the other is the infotainment screen to handle everything from the sat nav to the stereo. There are more ways to work this screen than you can shake a stick at including a touch pad, touch screen and voice control. 

The driver’s seat is comfortable (you might go as far as to say plush and luxurious) and we recommend choosing a model with electrical adjustment if at all possible. The manual adjustment can be a bit fiddly to get in the right position. 

Headroom is great for everyone, except maybe pro-basketball players. There’s plenty of room for passengers too. The lack of legroom for the fifth passenger means that there’s really only space for a child. 

Mercedes has certainly pushed the boat out when it comes to the materials featured in the cabin with quality soft-touch plastic on the dash and brushed chrome air-vents. Higher-spec models also let you choose and adjust the ambient lighting – a feature that’s more usual at the luxury end of the market. 

You’ll enjoy good fuel economy from the B-Class. Bear in mind you need to choose the engine size carefully. If you’re going for petrol, the B180 will give you up to 47.1 mpg. If you enjoy the site of tarmac and road signs, then a diesel is a more economical choice. Go for the B 180d and you’ll be getting up to 60.1 mpg on those long drives. 

Older generations of the B-Class have had a few issues. These are typically to do with non-essential electrics like sat nav glitches but you should have no issues with them now.  

A service with a Mercedes dealer is also going to be more expensive compared to the likes of Ford or Vauxhall. So, if you’re looking to save money this is another factor to consider. 

You’ll enjoy good fuel economy from the B-Class. Bear in mind you need to choose the engine size carefully. If you’re going for petrol, the B180 will give you up to 47.1 mpg. If you enjoy the site of tarmac and road signs, then a diesel is a more economical choice. Go for the B 180d and you’ll be getting up to 60.1 mpg on those long drives. 

Older generations of the B Class have had a few issues. These are typically to do with non-essential electrics like sat nav glitches but you should have no issues with them now.  

The B Class is a great entry-level model if you’ve always wanted to drive a Mercedes – and also want a practical and economical car to boot. The latest generation of this model is definitely the one to go for with even the most basic specs well equipped.