Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes B-Class (2011-2018) review

The Mercedes B-Class is a premium compact MPV that majors in quality and comfort as well as space

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
RRP
£35,685 £44,050
Pros
  • High-quality interior, versatile seating setup, efficient engines
Cons
  • No seven-seat option, expensive options, dull styling
Find your Mercedes B-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The quality and comfort boxes are well and truly ticked, as are (somewhat unexpectedly) the dynamic and road-holding boxes. The B-Class has better steering and a far more soothing ride quality than you might expect. But the high price tag and lack of a seven seat option hold it back a bit, even if the available engine choice is usefully vast. The electric option is an interesting one, but it doesn't make as much sense as rival EVs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The B-Class Mercedes shares a front-wheel-drive platform and the same petrol and diesel engines as the smaller A-Class hatchback (it’s all technology that features on Renault, Nissan and Infiniti, models too). What the B-Class adds into the equation is space and a much bigger boot. In essence, the B-Class tries to exploit the gap in the Venn diagram where premium appeal, high quality, comfort and family-oriented spaciousness all converge.

The engines on offer are bookended by the least powerful 1.5-litre, 107bhp diesel and the most potent 2.1-litre, 174bhp unit, with turbocharged petrols providing alternatives on power and performance throughout the range. There is of course the option of the 176bhp electric motor to consider. Trim levels include SE, Sport and AMG Line choices, with Executive and Premium iterations of those available as well.

Mercedes B-Class vs Citroen C4 Picasso vs VW Golf SV

Customers only get the choice of one body – that of a tall compact MPV – which isn’t really a choice at all. It’s a long way from being one of Mercedes’ better styling jobs, but that said, it’s reasonably handsome considering the limitations of its class.

Besides, MPVs are much less about style and far more about space, and this is an area in which the B-Class really delivers: there is more rear legroom than in the bigger E-Class saloon, and the boot is enormous. The opposition – primarily the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, and more mainstream models like the Ford Grand C-Max and VW Touran – holds one advantage though: they all have seven-seat options, whereas the B-Class does not.

At least the B-Class can rely on brand recognition. Mercedes has been in the compact MPV game longer than BMW and a long list of satisfied customers may make it a better proposition from a buyer’s point of view.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    B200 Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £35,685
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    B200d Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £36,795
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    B200 Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £35,685
Select car

New & used car deals

Mercedes B Class

Mercedes B Class

RRP £35,965Used from £13,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025