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

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
    £35,945
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    B200d Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £37,045
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    B200 Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £35,945
Select car

New & used car deals

Mercedes B Class

Mercedes B Class

RRP £36,215Used from £20,849
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £8,450
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,908
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Jump in a £280 per month Mazda CX-60 before they’re gone
Mazda CX-60 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Jump in a £280 per month Mazda CX-60 before they’re gone

Mazda’s impressive CX-60 SUV is a worthy Car Deal of the Day on a two-year deal at £280 per month
News
12 Oct 2025