Not cool and sexy, but solid and safe: The strengths of the Mercedes B-Class are not immediately obvious. The second generation of the compact van (type W 246, 2011 to 2018) can shine with inner values and the TÜV. As a used vehicle, it is therefore in demand and not a bargain.
Should the used vehicle you are looking for be practical and solid? Is neither the "coolness factor" nor PS showmanship the focus of the used car search? And does your back pinch and twitch every now and then? Then it is time to shortlist the Mercedes B-Class. The second generation of the compact van (type W 246, 2011 to 2018) scores with inner values and with the TÜV.
body and interior
The design of the Mercedes B-Class will hardly encourage anyone to cheer. The 4.39 meter long compact van is one of the more inconspicuous representatives, more reality than appearances was probably in its development specifications. However, one should not be fooled by the inconspicuous exterior: the interior surprises with modern style and equipment elements as well as variability.
The trunk volume is between 488 and 1547 liters. A sliding rear bench seat, a height-adjustable loading floor and a fold-down front passenger seat backrest - all of which could be purchased as an option for first-time buyers - make it possible to switch between passenger and goods transport as required. The rear passengers enjoy plenty of knee room. Important for people with "backs": getting in and out can be done without contortions.
At the end of 2014, Mercedes gave the B-Class a facelift. There were small modifications to the radiator grille and lights, as well as retouching in the interior. At eight inches, the free-standing screen was one size larger than before, and the ambient lighting now offered 12 colors.
engines and propulsion
The drive range included petrol and diesel engines in the power range from 66 kW/90 hp to 155 kW/211 hp. There was also a natural gas variant with 115 kW/156 hp. A 132 kW/180 hp electric version came onto the market in 2015 and was offered until the end of 2017.
The turbocharged 1.6 liter petrol engines with direct injection cover driving demands from very comfortable to quite fast. The engines deliver 75 kW/102 hp (B 160), 90 kW/122 hp (B 180) and 115 kW/156 hp (B 200). The B 200 has a top speed of 220 km/h and completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. If you want something sportier: A two-liter turbo was available in the expansion stages with 135 kW/184 hp as the B 220 4Matic and as the B 250 with 155 kW/211 hp. If you want, you can rock the left lane of the Autobahn with the B 250 at a speed of 240 km/h. The B 250 was available with both front and all-wheel drive (4Matic). The average fuel consumption of the petrol engines ranges between 5.2 and 6.6 liters.
The diesels also appeal to drivers with different requirements. For the 1.5 liter in the expansion stages with 66 kW/90 hp (B 160 CDI) and 80 kW/109 hp (B 180 CDI) and the 1.8 liter with 100 kW/136 hp (B 200 CDI) the focus is more on arriving, haste is irrelevant. That's why they're frugal. The economy version B 180 CDI Blue Efficiency (since 2013) impressed with consumption values of 3.6 liters. With the facelift, Mercedes rearranged the diesel range. The 1.8 fell away. Since then, the 2.1-liter diesel has also been available with 136 hp as the B 200 CDI in addition to the 125 kW/175 hp (since the end of 2014: 130 kW/177 hp) B 220 CDI. Mercedes also offered all-wheel drive as an alternative to front-wheel drive for the B 200 CDI and B 220 CDI engines.
equipment and security
When it came to safety, the B-Class made no mistakes and achieved a five-star rating in the 2011 NCAP crash test. The radar-based collision warning system "Collision Prevent Assist", which also automatically initiates partial braking with the facelift, and an attention assistant were on board ex works. Other helpers such as parking assistants or traffic sign recognition were optionally available.
The basic versions are comparatively well equipped. Of course, the higher comfort levels offer more pampering potential and living room atmosphere. Since 2014, the equipment lines have been called Style, Urban and AMG Line, analogous to the other Mercedes compact models. There were also various equipment packages such as the light and vision package and the chrome package.
quality
The B-Class is characterized by its solid appearance in the TÜV main inspections. Older models sometimes have problems with the brake lines and the taillights are small problem children, even in younger vehicles. The small Mercedes acts inconspicuously when it comes to the test points chassis and environment. Overall, the TÜV gives the compact van very good marks. It is below the average for defects across all age groups.
Conclusion: The B-Class impresses with its practical aspects, the wide range of engines and its reliability. But the good reputation also has disadvantages, the B-Class is not a bargain as a used car. For older models, around 10,000 euros are due. Cheaper vehicles (from around 6000 euros) are often former taxi vehicles with a high mileage.
