Mercedes-Benz B-Class road tests and consumer car reviews

Mercedes-Benz B-Class 180cdi 2008

I purchased my B180 in Nov ’08 as an ex-demonstrator, with 3k on the clock. It now records 41k. During the period I have owned the car it has been a delight to drive with no problems, however, I have found the turning circle to be poor.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B170 2006

Having driven a lot of different cars over the years, including nice 2ltr Mercedes CLK Convertibles, I have to say that this is a nice practical family car. The high roof provides great access to car child seats, without you having to break your back. It does however sound like it needs another gear adding, but it’s economical, really roomy inside and lots of room in the boot. At 1.7 engine it was never going to be great off the starting line, but it does the job. I’ve had this car for 4 years without any major problem, though the engine management light has just come on and I’ve experienced some juddering, so I’m expecting a fair sized bill from Mercedes!

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B170 2006

I bought a 3yr old 170 auto with 36K on the clock; only troubles in so far (12K miles) were self caused. I tried to replace a headlamp bulb - don’t ever try it. It’s pretty near impossible unless you are a mechanic. Other than that, I found it excellent. I’ve been driving for over 45 years and have driven most ’normal’ cars up to 7.5 ton trucks (no Lambos or Ferraris). The auto box is marvellous and you really can play tunes on it - even in city mode. Switch it to sport mode and it’s like a different car; not a sports car but pretty quick for an auto MPV. I load it up and treat it like a van with no probs - I even put a Halfords roof rack on to carry timber, and it’s taken 12 x25Kg sacks of sand easily. It is petrol, so it’s a bit thirsty - it struggles to better 40mpg on a long run - especially with a load. I don’t find it underpowered, but I guess the 180 might be better. By the way, although I am 68, my other car’s a Vauxhill Calibre SE7 (2L 16 valve) which I freqently drive on the limit, especially round large fast roundabouts... I live in Milton Keynes!

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200 2007

Purchased our 2007 B200 used for $17,000 almost half the price of brand new and have been very happy with this vehicle. Many say it’s not a true luxury Benz but for the price it was a steal and less than a Toyota Corolla. The B200 rides smooth, absolutely great on gas, very light driving feel and surprisingly agile. Excellent leg room for front and rear passengers considering it’s small size. Has good rear trunk space and storage especially when folding the seats, which allow you to fit 2 bicycles inside the car. This is the most practical MB with the extra amenities. It’s not a race car and will not accellerate fast but it’s a perfect family car and daily driving vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180 CDI SE SPORT 109 2006

In my experience of the B- Class I don’t think much of it. I bought it in Nov 2007 as an ex demonstrator with only 7000 miles on the odometer. After 6 weeks of purchasing the rear brakes started making a grinding noise and I had to take it back to Mercedes and I may as well have gone to the post office about it because they would of been able to help me better. Mercedes told me if I wanted them to take a look at it out I would have to pay for it. Then in June 2009 the rear parking sensors quit working and didn’t warn me about a car behind and I ended up hitting it. Then in March 2010 the Air Con system packed up along with the heating system and radio unit. Also another really annoying thing is that you cannot turn the front airbag off which means I have to put my daughter in the middle of the rear bench along with my two other children which can be very dangerous. Apart from that the engine sounds like a tractor under any sort of acceleration which is annoying because it can be very audible throughout the cabin. Moreover for a 2.0 Turbo Diesel it is quite sluggish and it really struggles to pull our caravan. I can think of many other vehicles for half the price that would do the job better, For instance my wifes 2001 Peugeot 307 which has an airbag kill switch and has more space in the rear width wise. Also it has a 2.0 HDI 110 engine which has no problems towing the van.... I dont understand how Merc got it so wrong?

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B170 SE 2007

A surprising package of space & utility, but not without its design flaws: 1) The ’autotronic’ CVT box is very slow to engage, and makes the drive utterly slouchy. Very frustrating if you’re in a hurry. Go for the B200 or the B200T instead. 2) A metallic clatter developed from the CVT box at 30,000km from a loose ’tensioner’. 3) The small front windscreen and raised seating position (by default of the high sandwich floor) makes you peer and stoop below the mirror, which obstructs up to 20% of your forward view. Makes junctions hazardous as you cannot see your 10 o’clock nor make eye-contact with pedestrians on a crossing. 4) The side mirrors are too slim; they do not give you a hint of where your rear tyre is while reverse-parking. 5) Horrendous turning-circle, not helped by a huge steering wheel. I clamped-on a steering knob, and drive it like a forklift in carparks. Solved, but may kill my steering pump soon. 6) Totally inefficient space utilisation for cubbies and storage. there are hardly any. 7) Unflattering proportions in exterior design. Really Fuggly, the sides are too slab-sided accentuated by the side-skirts. Really boring ’80s rear end design of blocks and straight lines. Yawn.

Responses to this review

If you don’t like the way the car looks, why did you buy it? Peter Lyons from Herefordshire

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180SE 2009

Having moved down from a Honda Accord Exec, I was somewhat concerned that I would be disappointed with the B class, which we bought for its practical load carrying and its ability to fit into our garage. It does not disappoint at all. The performance is completely adequate given that the roads are not conducive to sporty driving these days. It is comfortable with good vision, and more cabin space than the Accord had. The handbrake does not come to hand easily, and the single left hand stalk for wipers and indicators is somewhat awkward and takes a bit of getting used to, but features such as integral child seats, automatic parallel parking, dual height load floor, folding wing mirrors are all good. Electronic display is well designed with a good useful range of information. We had leather and myrtle trim and it makes a nice finish to a well built car, which is very economical to run.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200 Sport CDI 2008

This B 200 CDI Sport is a bit like Marmite... You either love it... or hate it! This one is a decent spec. Averaged 49mpg since new and now done 10,000 miles. The the gearbox is a CVT (Constant Variable Transmission) and I wasn’t too sure if I would like it but yep, it’s great. The equivalent of 7 speed auto and it it is very good. The build quality is fabulous. Compared to my E class the radio/CD player quality is below par, wish we had picked a better sound system on this B Class. The bluetooth for mobile telephone comnnection is great, it works everytime and is a good addition. The self parking feature (parallel) is just weird, great but weird. First time we used it we were very sceptical that it would be any good, but it really works well. The boot space with the seats up is a little smaller than anticipated but this little niggle is soon forgotten when you drive this fabulous car. We all know you pay more for the badge... and in my opinion it is well worth it. Wouldn’t swap this for any other small MPV. We are really happy with this baby. We call it Marmite too. :-)

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B150 2006

An excellent, well built car. You sit high on the road and can see above other cars. In traffic this is a real bonus.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.7 2007

A comfortable, well made and versatile car.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B150

Lots of space for 5 people in this car which make it an excellent choice for families if you can afford one.

Responses to this review

Having sat in a B-Class I have to say unless you like driving with your legs up in the air this is not the car for you and no way a 5 seater for adults - Peter Cunnington from Essex

Sounds like heater plugs if it’s a diesel - Robert Peake from England