Introduction
The B-Class is a bit of an oddity in the Mercedes-Benz line up. Only slightly larger than the 'entry' A-Class and arguably not as interestingly styled, it's difficult to see exactly who it's aimed at. Mercedes rolls out words like 'trendsetter' and 'young' when describing the B, but we're not so sure.
What are its rivals?
The B-Class is very difficult to pigeon-hole, particularly as with the larger engines and a few necessary options some models rival Mercedes' own C-Class on price. This B200 CDI SE, with an optional automatic transmission and only a handful of other options is nearly £25,000. There are plenty of compact MPV alternatives out there that will do as good a job - and in many cases better - for significantly less money. Obvious mainstream rivals include vehicles like Ford's Focus C-Max and the VW Touran among others, though premium branded compact MPV rivals are difficult to find. It's an alternative to a premium saloon then, if you're after practicality and prestige instead of a posh badge and sharp dynamics.
How does it drive?
Treat the B-Class as a compact MPV and it drives decently enough. Body roll is nicely contained, even if that is sometimes at the expense of ride comfort, and the 2.0-litre CDI turbodiesel engine a willing enough performer. The optional Autotronic CVT automatic is less impressive, as it's not the smoothest in operation and being a CVT it holds the engine at peak revs when accelerating briskly - to the detriment of refinement. It's a comfortable enough cruiser on the motorway, where the additional height afforded by that lofty stance gives a good view ahead.
What's impressive?
It's got a Mercedes-Benz badge on it so it's likely to impress the neighbours. As ever with Mercedes, the seats are firm, but hugely supportive and comfortable. Economy is pretty impressive too, even if the optional automatic bumps the official combined consumption figure down from 50.4mpg to 47.1mpg. The driving position is excellent, the extra height it offers being beneficial to visibility, and equipment in SE guise is pretty comprehensive. There's good leg and headroom front and rear and a decent-sized boot too. Safety kit is impressive, Mercedes throwing just about every conceivable safety aid at the standard specification, while the B-Class's sandwich floor construction makes not just for a spacious cabin, but a safe one too.
What's not?
Mercedes offers much the same product in the A-Class, which is both cheaper and sharper in style. The B-Class is expensive when compared to its compact MPV rivals, many of which offer far more impressive space and seating arrangements. Most of its cheaper rivals drive with more verve, too. The ride can be jarring, the optional CVT does nothing for the engine refinement and some of the plastics inside aren't quite as impressive as they should be in a car wearing a three-pointed star and commanding the price tag of the B-Class. It's not a bad car, just one that's got something of a mixed brief that doesn't fit well into any specific category.
Should I buy one?
We'd save a few pounds and opt for the A-Class instead if we were after a hatchback Mercedes. Consider too that a C-Class with the same engine is only a couple of thousand pounds more and far better to drive. It's also likely to be easier to sell when the time comes. It's spacious, comfortable and decently equipped, but it should be given it is significantly more money than mainstream rivals which will do the job just as well, and better.
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