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The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is relatively small but its wide, tall body creates a lot of interior space. Big windows combine with the high seating position for a fantastic view out. AMG Line models have a sportier look. The older car’s interior is user-friendly and feels upmarket. The interior of the latest B-Class has a real wow factor, with a very large display screen on the dashboard. The round air vents look and feel great, too.
The B-Class has light steering and gives you a great view out, so it’s easy to drive round town, whether manual or automatic. All models have parking sensors for easy manoeuvring, while high-spec ones also have a rear-view camera. The B-Class is comfortable on all but the most bumpy roads and quiet and stable on the motorway. There’s a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines available. The most powerful models also have four-wheel drive for reassurance on slippery roads. There’s a rare eco-friendly electric version of the older B-Class, while the latest version is available as a plug-in hybrid. The most powerful version of the older B-Class can tow 1500kg. The equivalent model of the latest version can tow 1600kg.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact MPV with five doors and five seats. It’s the same size as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Ford C-MAX. Four adults fit very comfortably and all but the very tallest people will have enough headroom in the back. The middle back seat is fine for adults on short journeys, but more suitable for children. There are two sets of Isofix mounts on the back seat. The boot has space for three large suitcases while folding down the back seats gives you enough room for a small sofa. All B-Class models come with climate control, Bluetooth and parking sensors. High-spec models add sat nav and heated leather seats.
Mercedes is a premium brand so the B-Class costs more to buy than most other similar cars. Its upmarket feel and high-tech equipment may be worth it for you, though. All petrol B-Class models return 35-50mpg, according to official figures, while diesels return 50-70mpg. The electric B-Class has a range of 124 miles, according to official figures. Road tax and insurance costs are low. The B-Class is generally reliable and well made. Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded both the latest and older versions of the B-Class a full five-star safety rating.
The B-Class has premium brand competition from the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Non-premium brand rivals include the Ford C-MAX, Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Golf SV. The BMW and Ford are more enjoyable to drive, the Renault is better looking and the Volkswagen has a bigger boot. But the Mercedes has a more upmarket feel and more advanced tech.
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The B-Class is a family hatchback with an upmarket feel and high-tech equipment. It’s compact and easy to park but has a spacious and practical interior.
Mercedes has a strong reputation for reliability and the B-Class is well made.
Both petrol and diesel B-Class models return very good fuel economy. There are eco-friendly electric and plug-in hybrid models available, too. Road tax and insurance is inexpensive.
The B-Class has ample space for rapidly growing children and all but the tallest adults have plenty of headroom. The boot is a decent size for this type of car and the back seats fold down to create a lot more space.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Ford C-MAX are more enjoyable to drive and the Volkswagen Golf SV has a bigger boot. But the B-Class has a more upmarket feel and more advanced tech.