There’s lots to love in regards to the Mercedes B-Class, from its sharp appears and high-quality inside, to the large boot and glorious infotainment system. It additionally affords extra cabin house than the carefully associated A-Class hatchback, notably for rear-seat passengers. 

However the lack of a transparent distinction between the B-Class and A-Class signifies that the previous fails to supply an actual distinctive promoting level. It’s not versatile sufficient to be a real MPV, whereas the A-Class edges it when it comes to fashion, picture and dynamics. In isolation, the B-Class is an efficient automobile; it’s simply not solely clear what it desires to be.

Concerning the Mercedes B-Class

The Mercedes B-Class is a premium five-seat MPV that’s been round since 2005. We’re now on our third technology of the automobile and it appears it’ll be the final, as a result of the corporate has confirmed it gained’t be changing this present technology as soon as manufacturing involves an finish. Contemplating MPVs are one thing of a dying breed in 2023, with SUVs now the household automobile of selection, we’re hardly stunned to listen to the B-Class might be laid to relaxation quickly, however a sequence of updates for 2023 suggests it’ll be with us for a short time but.

Beneath, the B-Class is predicated on the identical platform as Mercedes’s premium hatchback, the A-Class. The pair look lots alike too, particularly following the latest facelift, and have the identical stylish inside and MBUX infotainment system. The one benefits the B-Class has are its superior cabin house and further baggage capability, however that’s about it. 

In the end the B-Class isn’t massive sufficient, or versatile sufficient, to be thought of a real MPV, and there’s no long-wheelbase seven-seat model, both. What’s extra, regardless of utilizing the identical underpinnings, the B-Class isn’t provided with the identical number of engines and powertrains because the A-Class. As a substitute you get to decide on between the diesel B 220 d and the petrol B 200, which now options mild-hybrid expertise. Which means there’s no plug-in hybrid or absolutely electrical mannequin provided to entice firm automobile drivers or these seeking to cut back their gasoline consumption.

The B-Class is hardly swamped with rivals; as a substitute it has extra of an arch-rival: the BMW 2 Sequence Lively Tourer, an all-new model of which was launched in 2022 and is obtainable with plug-in hybrid energy. Different opponents within the MPV class embrace the Volkswagen Touran and Ford S-Max, however they function seven seats, whereas the B-Class solely will get 5. Which means the B-Class has to draw potential consumers taking a look at crossovers and small SUVs, of which there is no such thing as a scarcity on this value bracket.

Talking of which, the Mercedes B-Class presently begins from round £35,000 for the petrol-powered model, or simply over £36,000 for the diesel. You’ve got 4 trim ranges to select from – Sport Government, AMG Line Government, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus – with AMG Line fashions receiving sportier styling, bigger alloy wheels and stiffer suspension. Commonplace package on all fashions consists of twin 10.25-inch shows, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, heated entrance seats, keyless go and a powered tailgate.

For another evaluate of the Mercedes B-Class, go to our sister web site carbuyer.co.uk…