Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes B-Class (2011-2018) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

As much cabin space as an S-Class? Yes, if you’re measuring vertically

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£35,685 £44,050
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

Mercedes often claims that the B-Class has as much interior space as an S-Class, which might be true on a technical level, but isn’t representative of the comfort on offer.

Size

At just 4.3-metres long, the B-Class is barely any longer than a Ford Fiesta, but it packs a whopping amount of cabin space into a very small footprint. While this second-generation B-Class isn’t quite as clever, technically, as it’s predecessor, it still manages to pull of some pretty TARDIS-like tricks when it comes to bigger-on-the-inside tests.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

With 2,699mm wheelbase, the B-Class was never going to be short on cabin space, and thanks to its extra height (it’s a lofty 1,557mm tall), passengers can sit more upright to liberate even more room. So legroom, headroom and knee room are especially impressive, especially in the back. The ‘same space as an S-Class’ claim is probably accurate measured volumetrically but sadly it’s never going to be as comfy as the Big S. 

That’s because the upright seating means you can’t slouch as comfortably as you otherwise might be able to, and there are issues with the driving position too. Actually, if you’re going to do long motorway journeys with a B-Class then you really, really need to spec it with the automatic gearbox, as that’s the only way to get cruise control. Without cruise, the relationship between the steering wheel, seat and lightly-sprung accelerator pedal is a recipe for leg-and-back-ache.

Boot

488-litres is right on the money for the class average, and the B’s boxy, upright shape means you can make the most of every litre. Fold the seats flat and you get 1,547-litres, which is a pretty remarkable figure for a car as short as this. You can also spec the car with some useful load-space items such as a rubber-lined tub for carrying loose, or dirty items such as sports kit, while there’s also a fold-out concertina sill and bumper protector for protecting the paint from being gouged by anything you’re loading into the back – a common problem with complicated baby buggies and prams. The EASY-VARIO PLUS system means that the rear seats can be slid back and forth to maximise luggage space, there’s a ski-hatch for long, slim items and an adjustable boot floor.

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 £13,200
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,922
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
* 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: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV
Tesla Model Y - front cornering

Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV

EV sales have leapt up in the first half of 2025, although numbers remain behind Government targets
News
4 Jul 2025