Mercedes B-Class Hatchback 2005 - Present

The B-Class is aimed squarely at the driver who needs to upgrade the size of car that they drive but is unwilling to compromise on quality, performance and prestige.  Offering the same level of space and room as a much bigger car, while maintaining the frame and behaviour of a small family car the B-Class is built on a lengthened version of the A-Class's underpinnings, using a 'sandwich' floor to package some of the drive train under the cabin, which frees up more passenger and luggage space than a conventional saloon or hatchback.  The five-seat B-class takes up less road space than a Ford Focus, but offers more carrying capacity than a Ford Mondeo estate and the Mercedes badge adds the extra prestige that potential buyers may be seduced by.

There are a number of cars around now that use their space very inventively and efficiently, the B-Class is among the leaders.  Inside the car you’re treated to a cabin that is fitted with quality materials and well made switchgear.  The driving position is comfortable if a little tight on headspace for the taller driver, or anyone sporting a beehive hairdo.  The rear seats offer room for two adults or three children.  Leg and head room are both good in the back and the seats are excellent.  The boot is immense, and the versatile seats fold away easily to ensure that as long as you’re not seating people, the room is very flexible. 

On the road the B-Class is equally adept, with steering and suspension that are both speed sensitive, so they are softer at low speeds than higher speeds which means that they do the work when you want them to and let you feel in control when you want to.  The cabin feels well insulated against the noise of the road and elements outside.  The suspension set up means that there is occasional bodyroll when trying to take a corner too fast, but you soon learn to wind your neck in.  the engine options are many with two oil burners and four petrol units.  If you’re looking for performance the 2.0L turbo option will be the place to go.  0 – 60 as achieved in an impressive 7.4 seconds while topping out at 140mph.  it does this while returning an impressive 34 mpg, a reasonable figure.  The diesel options are the only place to look if economy is your driving force.  The 2.0L offers the better performance with 124mph top speed and 9.3 seconds for the sprint time.  In truth they all offer a tolerable performance and reasonable economy.  The mid range petrol units are both in or around 10 seconds for the sprint and fugal at 40 mpg. 

The B-Class Mercedes comes at a premium, but Mercedes always have done.  There may be questions over quality as the car was designed at a low point for the manufacturer, a time when they were growing almost too quickly, but any issues will be rectified by their excellent after sales service.  If you want a car to stand out above the pack and you have the money to buy one the B-Class may well tick all the boxes.

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