Rivervale's Guide to the Mercedes B Class Hatchback
The Mercedes-Benz B Class, a compact executive MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), is based on the same platform as the all-new A-Class hatchback, but is roomier and has abundant boot space. The updated B Class is a car designed for every occasion and aims to be better than its predecessor in every way! it rivals existing vehicles such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Volkswagen Golf.
Our Mercedes B Class leasing prices start from £421.17 exc. VAT per month
Our Account Manager Kyle takes you on a tour round the all-new B Class ...
Interior and exterior features of the B Class
The B Class is based on the A Class, but its swollen body makes it a lot more spacious inside, making it the perfect car for buyers who are in the market for a taller, wider and longer premium hatchback and don’t want an SUV.
It can easily seat 5 tall adults comfortably due to its extra cabin space. Top of the range models get rear seats that recline and slide backwards and forwards by up to 14cm’s (centimetres). The B Class also has a respectable boot space capacity of 455 litres and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded down - which is more than the Volkswagen Golf SV and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
More Mercedes news: Mercedes A Class review
On the inside there are dual 7-inch infotainment displays that come as standard across the range, with 10.25 inch displays available as an optional extra. The display in front of the driver can be controlled by a touchpad on the steering wheel, while the display on the right can be operated via touchscreen or using the central touchpad found by the gear knob.
The B Class also comes available in one of 64 ambient colours, which helps to create a pleasant and therapeutic atmosphere in the cars interior. Upfront, the driver’s seat offers plenty of comfort and adjustment (electric front seats optional), as well as an elevated driving position so that you can have a better view of the road ahead.
There are standard and optional exterior colours available for the new B Class (2 standard and 3 optional): Polar White (standard), Jupiter-red (standard), iridium silver metallic (optional), mountain grey metallic (optional) and denim blue metallic (optional).
Safety features and driver aids
The B Class comes equipped with impressive intelligent assistance and safety systems and is one of the safest hatchbacks in its class, according to Mercedes. Safety features include;
- Reversing camera - Your B Class, will help give you a full picture of your surroundings for a complete peace of mind when reversing.
- Active braking assist - This helps you minimise the risk of an oncoming collision by sending out an acoustic or visual warning.
- Multibeam LED - The new multibeam LED headlamps in the new B class allow you to adjust light distribution more accurately and faster so that you have optimal vision of the road ahead not to mention benefits other road users.
- Active cruise control (optional) - The B Class can match the speed of the car in front and even slow down for corners automatically before returning to your present cruising speed.
Engines available
Buyers can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines. The B 180 d gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers 114bhp, while the B 200 d and B 220 d use a 2.0-litre diesel that turns either 148 or 187hp - both return a fuel economy of 65mpg. The B 180 d is the only diesel model that comes as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the B 200 d and B 220 d both use a new eight-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
As for petrol engines, you can get the B Class with a 1.33-litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces either 136bhp in the B 180 or 163bhp in the B 200. Both models can return a fuel economy of 51mpg and come as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Which trim levels are there to choose from?
The B class line up is split into two trim levels - called Sports and AMG Line - although buyers can choose to upgrade their B Class with three equipment packs that offer an extensive range of options. Examples of standard features found at each trim level can be seen via the table below;
Mercedes B Class Models
| Sport | AMG-Line |
|---|---|
| 7-inch Instrument display | Privacy glass |
| 7-inch touchscreen media display | Radiator grille - diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, silver-painted louvre and insert in chrome |
| Bluetooth | Direct steer system |
| “Hey Mercedes” voice activation | Touchpad on centre console |
| Mercedes Me Connect | Sports seats |
| MBUX infotainment system | Active Brake Assist |
| KEYLESS-GO start function | Active Lane-Keeping Assist |
| Ambient lighting | Bluetooth |
| Active Brake Assist | 7-inch Instrument display |
| Active Lane-Keeping Assist | 7-inch touchscreen media display |
| Crash-responsive emergency lighting | GPS aerial |
| Adaptive Brake Assist with HOLD function and Hill Start Assist | “Hey Mercedes” voice activation |
| Anti-locking braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS) | Mercedes me connect |
| Headlamp Assist | |
| DAB digital radio |
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B Class packages
In addition to the above features, Mercedes offers buyers three equipment packages to choose from including;
- Advanced Navigation Package: Adds the latest Mercedes’ MBUX augmented reality for navigation system along with Traffic Sign Assist technology
- Advanced Smartphone Package: This package comprises Smartphone integration which allows you to connect your mobile phone to the media system via Apple Car Play and Android Auto. This gives you access to the apps on your smartphone. Wireless phone charging is also available in this package.
- Driving Assistance Package: This package contains a range of highly intelligent features such as active blind spot assist, active braking assist with cross-traffic function, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active emergency stop assist, active lane-charge assist, active speed limit assist, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS and route based speed adjustment.
