Mercedes B-Class (2011-2018) review - Reliability and Safety

Mercedes has massively improved its quality and reliability since the dreadful days of the early 2000s, when models like the E-Class and C-Class threatened to undo a quality reputation stretching back more than a century. Thankfully, things have picked up a lot since then, but the B-Class hasn’t done well in our Driver Power survey, finishing in 118th place – into the bottom half of the table. Perhaps lingering issues with Mercedes’ dealer network is holding it back?

At least on the safety front, you’re definitely OK. Merc’s reputation for safety is really only matched by Volvo, and the B-Class comes with a battery of life-saving tech. As well as lots of airbags, stability control and ABS, all B-Classes come with Attention Assist (which warns you if you’re getting drowsy) and Collision Prevention Assist Plus which warns you if you’re getting too close to the car in front, and which can activate emergency braking if you don’t take action to avoid a collision. There are also brake lights that flash under heavy braking and an emergency call system. EuroNCAP gave it a full five-stars for crash safety with a whopping 97 per cent score for adult occupant protection.

You can spec safety up further with items like active cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane-keeping assist and Pre-Safe, which pressurises the brakes and tightens the seatbelts if it detects an unavoidable collision. 

Warranty

You get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with a 30-year anti-perforation guarantee with the B-Class. There’s no option to increase the length of the warranty, but you do get complimentary roadside rescue, which renews every year as long as you keep the car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer.

Servicing

Mercedes doesn’t issue a set mileage limit for services – that’s taken care of by the on-board diagnostics, but it does recommend at least one visit back to the dealer every year. There’s a fixed-price service plan available, which costs from around £24 a month on a subscription basis, which covers all your normal regular serving costs.