Mercedes B-Class (2024): Test, Price, Configuration

Let’s be honest: the Mercedes B-Class is not a car to think about. Rather we think of a style intended for the elderly, a style inspired by the style’s typical customers. Mercedes is fully aware of the lack of sexual appeal of its model, so we should not expect a series … However, it will not be the only one that will be left: the A-Class, which is aimed at more young people. , will also say goodbye to us. Before it’s too late, we want to argue one last time for the B-Class, undoubtedly the most attractive compact model from the German brand! And this is why…

The third is good

In terms of design, the B-Class is not as sporty as the brand’s other sedans, nor does it show the “entertainer” side of the brand’s SUVs. As far as we are concerned, this third generation, launched in 2019 and lifted in 2023, however seems to us to be the most successful. Although previously a slightly understated subcompact, this latest B-Class now presents itself in a more luxurious guise (especially in the AMG package version, like our ‘test car), with flowing lines and sharp headlights. The latter also benefit from a modern lighting signature.

At 4.42m long, 1.80m wide and 1.56m tall, Class B is (almost) as long and wide as Class A, but 12cm higher.

The interior is spacious and bright!

This difference in height is apparent as soon as you get on board: the Mercedes B Class seats its passengers on a small floor above! An additional good point: the side windows that extend further, which gives a very good view of the road. In front of the driver, there is a double digital screen on which the latest MBUX infotainment system is displayed. If it does without a touchpad on the central console, fortunately it compensates with separate buttons for climate control.

The steering wheel has also been revised and now includes touch buttons on its two horizontal speakers. The controls are quite intuitive, except for the volume control, which is very sensitive. Fortunately, you can go back to the other wheel, with well-defined notches located in the central cone. As for the finish, it is obviously your choice but the advantage of this B-Class is that it easily handles luxurious upholstery, and, for example, brown leather and a touch of wood, like in a big Mercedes!

The extra space opened up is good news for… the knees! In fact, passengers are sitting more upright, which allows adults to sit comfortably in the front and back. This is not small for a car of this size! In addition, the rear seat can be slid (optional), which allows you to choose between a large trunk or more generous legroom. Regarding the trunk, note that with an amount of 445 to 1,530 liters (405 liters for the B 250 e PHEV), it remains more than enough, regardless of the size of the rear passengers!

Mercedes B-Class engines: petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid

The Mercedes B-Class offers a variety of engines, all with some form of hybrid (strong or plug-in). On the other hand, the brand does not offer the Mercedes B-Class Electric. For the petrol model, the palette starts with the B 180 whose 1.3-liter four-cylinder delivers 100 kW (136 hp). The B 200 is equipped with the same engine but with power increased to 120 kW (163 hp). From the B 220 onwards, there is a 2-turbo petrol engine, with 140 kW (190 hp), or even 165 kW (224 hp) on the B 250. The two most powerful petrol engines also have the right to deliver important as standard. Mercedes does not offer an AMG B-Class: it is a safe bet that the demand for such a model is almost zero, even if this derivative will not lack ingredients!

As for the diesel, it is simple: the engine in all cases is a 2-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder, Renault’s 1.5 dCi has not been used by Mercedes for several years. The B 180 d has 85 kW (116 hp), compared to 110 kW (150 hp) in the B 200 d and 140 kW (190 hp) in the case of the B 220 d. As for the plug-in hybrid version, it shares its engines with the Class A and CLA, which are technically related. It is a 120 kW (163 hp) 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an 80 kW (109 hp) electric motor for a total of 160 kW (218 hp). Thanks to the 11.6 kWh battery (active), you can travel up to 73 km in fully electric mode, the tank being able to swallow 35 liters of gasoline.

Fun to drive, indeed!

On the road, unless you’re an F1 champion, you probably won’t notice any difference between an A-Class and an A-Class or CLA. This family sedan also offers an excellent compromise between comfort and power, with an exciting and responsive front end. If the damping seems easier than other compact Mercedes, the B-Class will be able to have the movement of its body. And if you were wondering, know that yes, the Class B is fun to drive, especially powered by its more powerful engines!

The joy that, however, is sometimes completely destroyed by the diligence of security systems. The speed warning is quite annoying (especially when it shows the wrong limit, which happens often!), but luckily it can be turned off by pressing a button. The collision avoidance system has its uses, but it can cause a heart attack if you think you haven’t seen an obstacle, whether on the highway or during a maneuver! On the downside: the front surface is quickly torn on speed bumps and curbs, a common fault for both hard and low-end Mercedes.

2024 Mercedes B-Class Price

Although the B-Class is one of the cheapest Mercedes, it is still a Mercedes. With a price starting at 39,446 euros in Belgium, the Class B requires an additional 4,000 euros compared to the Class A. If you are a brand expert, you will have understood that it is sold at the same price, or close, than. CLA Coupé! Getting into power is expensive, with the plug-in hybrid variant of the B 250 e starting at just 50,699 euros. Our test copy, a well-executed but not “full option”, B 220 d, was sold for around 58,000 euros, list price! That’s a lot for a small sedan…

The resale value of a used Mercedes B-Class is also not as high as that of the brand’s more popular models. On the other hand, this clearly makes it a good deal on the secondhand market! Through Mercedes Certified, you can already find reasonably priced models, with low mileage and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Our judgment

Mercedes B-Class offers as well as A-Class or CLA, while being more practical and comfortable. In addition, it is also more powerful and more volume than an SUV! As far as we’re concerned, the B-Class is the best compromise in Mercedes’ compact lineup. Unfortunately, it remains a bit expensive… Which makes it a great second hand deal!