Introduction
If you’re in the market for a 5-seat MPV, you’re spoiled for choice. But narrow that search down to premium brands and you only have 2 options. The brand new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or today’s car for discussion, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
Introduced back in mid-2005, the B-Class was essentially the first premium MPV and at the time looked like a big A-Class and a small R-Class before they all parted ways. In late 2011 the 2nd generation B-Class was released bearing a complete redesign. Late last year the 2nd generation B-Class received its first major facelift which brought new bumpers, additional chrome detailing and, for the first time, integrated DRLs (daytime running lights). Optional equipment like keyless go, full LED headlights and the option for a larger infotainment display were also added. The pricetag was refreshed too, costing just under £22,000.
Powertrain
If you still favour petrol power you have 2 options, both utilising a 1.6-litre unit. The B200 is what stands out the most with adequate acceleration and running costs not too dissimilar from the B180. Saying that, with 34 less horsepower and 50 less Newton metres of torque, the B180 doesn’t ask to be driven as heavy-footedly and therefore is more likely to obtain an mpg figure closer to what Mercedes claims.
Step over to diesel and you’ll be greeted with the entry-level 1.5-litre B180d. It’s the least powerful in the whole line-up with only 109 horsepower, but is said to achieve 70.6 mpg however a figure closer to 55 would reflect real-world driving better. All other diesels use a 2.1-litre engine. The B200d offers a 9.4 second 0-62 mph sprint time yet returns 67.3 mpg, but the more potent 177 horsepower B220d uses 350 Newton metres of torque to achieve exactly the same economy figure. It’s also available as a 4MATIC four-wheel-drive variant, but who needs this on a family MPV? And who would be willing to see a drop in mpg by 10.8 in favour of more grip?
All cars apart from the B220d and B220d 4MATIC are available with Mercedes’ 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission but are specced as standard with a 6-speed manual, whereas the aforementioned models are available solely with the 7G-DCT.
My pick of the bunch would be the B200d with more than enough power for cruising and running costs that won’t break the bank.
Additionally, there’s a B-Class Electric Drive, which as the name suggests is an EV (electric vehicle). With a range of 124 miles and a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 s and the capability of going on to a top speed of 99.5 mph. It produces 180 horsepower and 340 Newton metres but is treated as a different car rather than an engine choice. It costs just over £32,000.
In-Cabin Experience
It’s easy enough for the driver to get comfortable behind the wheel and all-round visibility is great making town manoeuvres such a parking a lot easier. The soft suspension works wonders in city driving but can feel a bit flimsy out on the motorway, but this can be forgiven as there’s very little wind and road noise.
The 486-litre boot is as useable as it sounds thanks to a low load lip and a wide opening. If you fold down the 60:40 split folding rear seats you have 1,545 litres to play around with as you wish. Being such a tall vehicle it’s easy to carry awkwardly shaped and taller items.
My main issue is the centre console layout. The heating controls and awkwardly placed towards the bottom and certain buttons are hard to press due to their size and shape, meaning that you’ll have to familiarise yourself with the layout so as not to need to take your eyes off the road when driving.
Equipment and Options
Standard equipment across the range is very generous as you would expect from a Mercedes. All cars have a space saving electronic parking break and the automatic models favour a column change setup as opposed to a traditional stick.
Outside, alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, mirrors and bumpers are always present showing no sign of cost cutting, and automatic headlights and a reversing camera further entice potential buyers to the technological world of Mercedes.
The heated windscreen washer system sounds cool but would rarely be appreciated by the driver, but the automatically activated rear windscreen wiper when the car is in reverse is certainly a helpful feature.
Entry-level SE has 16-inch alloys, halogen headlights, a 7-inch infotainment display, THERMATIC air conditioning and a 12-button multifunction leather steering wheel.
Mid-range Sport ups the alloys to 17 inches and the infotainment display to 8 inches and also upgrades to a THERMATRONIC luxury automatic climate control which in turn lessens the effect of the awkwardly placed controls. DYNAMIC SELECT is also standard with ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes, and the windscreen wipers become automatic.
Top-of-the-range AMG Line has 18-inch alloys, the necessary AMG bodystyling, carbon fibre and aluminium trim and sports steering. It’s also lowered by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear.
The Executive package, welcomingly priced at £995, adds heated front seats, PARKTRONIC Active Parking Assist and Garmin MAP PILOT satellite navigation (which is £495 alone).
If you’re after a high-end sound system, the Harman Kardon Logic 7 costs £680, and you can even specify Apple CarPlay for £250.
Safety
As it’s a family MPV, child safety is of upmost importance. That’s why there’s an automatic child seat recognition sensor and ISOFIX fittings on the two outermost rear seats. Among the plethora of acronyms are some standout features like COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, adaptive Brake Assist with Hill Start Assist and speed-sensitive automatic door locking.
It may come as no surprise then, that the B-Class was awarded a full 5-star rating the its Euro NCAP test and was a class leader in 2011. Other cars worth considering though is the 2014’s class leader, the VW Golf SV, 2013’s Kia Carens, 2012’s Ford B-Max and Fiat 500L and 2010’s Toyota Verso.
But if you do have any doubt in the back of your mind when driving the B-Class, you can always rely on the 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Rivals
As we’ve already discussed, the BMW 2 Series active Tourer is the B-Class’ main competitor. With an economical range of 3- and 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, it’s able to compete strongly against Mercedes. The top-end 220d and 225i are even available with xDrive all-wheel-drive if that’s your thing. The BMW does come at a £1,185 premium though.
If the desirable badge isn’t of great importance to you but you still like the German way of doing thigs, Volkswagen’s Golf SV is £2,620 cheaper and uses technology that is just as impressive.
The Renault Scenic (£2,460 cheaper than the B-Class) and Citroën C4 Picasso (£3,555 cheaper) are equally as good at doing what they’re designed to do, but do not hold the title of luxury meaning they will not hold on to their value as well.
My Car
Here is how I would spec my Mercedes-Benz B-Class:
No comments:
Post a Comment