Now in its third generation, the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV has evolved in the best possible way. When it was launched in Europe in 2005, the original B-Class possessed relatively plain styling, along with run-of-the-mill petrol and diesel-powered engines. The second generation (launched in 2011) addressed many of the original car’s imperfections, while adding a welcome dose of style to the mix too.
Sharper Styling;
However, the all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class boasts even sharper exterior styling, a high quality and technologically advanced interior, excellent cabin and cargo space, along with new engine options too. Based on the same underpinnings as the wonderful A-Class, the new B-Class offers more room throughout the cabin, while the rear seats offer luxury-saloon levels of space.
Enhanced Dimensions;
The continuous and relentless rise in popularity of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from investing heavily in an all-new version of the B-Class MPV. The new B-Class is longer (4,419mm) and wider (2,020mm) than before, which creates a cabin large enough to seat five adults in comfort. The boot has a capacity of 455-litres with the rear seats in place, or up to 1,530-litres with the rear seats folded. However, versatility will be improved even further when the option of a sliding rear seat is added later in 2019.
Engines & Transmissions;
The new B-Class is offered with either petrol, or diesel engine options. The only petrol engine available is an all-new 1.33-litre in two states of tune – 136bhp (badged B180) or 163bhp (badged B200), while two turbo-diesel engines complete the line-up, and are badged B180d (1.5-litre, with 116bhp), B200d (2.0-litre, with 150bhp), or B220d (2.0-litre, with 190bhp). All diesel engines are fitted with an 8-speed dual-clutch (automatic) gearbox as standard, while the petrol engine is available in 6-speed manual, or 8-speed automatic guise.
Trim Levels;
Three specifications are available in the new B-Class – Style, Progressive, and AMG-Line. Standard specification across the entire range includes Active Lane Keep Assist, comfort seats, heated front seats, split-folding rear seats, MBUX Multimedia System, reversing camera, black roof liner, Artico man-made leather & fabric interior, 16” alloy wheels, chrome-plated shoulder-line trim, remote central locking, electric windows, electrically operated & heated exterior door mirrors, an EASY-PACK (electric) Tailgate, along with a whole host of comfort, convenience and safety systems.
The new B-Class is equipped with intelligent assistance systems and functions to protect occupants even more effectively while on the move and help take the strain out of driving. They can identify dangers automatically and provide corresponding warnings, or even intervene, with corrective actions. This means that all occupants are always in the best of hands.
Test Car;
My test car was a new Mercedes-Benz B180 (1.33-litre petrol) AMG-Line automatic, finished in striking Indium Silver metallic paintwork. AMG-Line specification benefits from exclusive features such as AMG sports pedals, floor mats with AMG inscription, 18” AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels (aerodynamically optimised), AMG body-styling kit, 3-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel (flat-bottomed) in Nappa leather, Light & Sight Pack, chrome-plated beltline & windowline trim, diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, Artico leather & Dinamica microfible interior, Direct Steer system, front brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering, LED high performance headlights, and lowered comfort suspension.
Thanks to 136bhp and 200Nm of torque, my test car was able to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 9.0-seconds, leading to a top speed of 212km/h (where permitted). Fuel consumption as low as 5.4l/100km is possible on a combined driving cycle, while annual road tax is just €270. Opt for a diesel powered B-Class, and the combined fuel consumption figure can drop to as low as 3.7l/100km, while attracting annual road tax as low as €190.
Excellent Driving Dynamics;
On the road, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class feels more dynamic, more sporty, more comfortable, and safer than ever before. The car sets a new benchmark in safe and comfortable everyday driving and is worthy of Mercedes-Benz’ claim that this is the ‘family car re-invented’. Motorway refinement is impressive even with the standard 18” alloy wheels fitted, while country roads prove just how nimble the new B-Class really is. Acceleration is smooth, and gear selection is swift & precise, while the car is blessed with terrific stopping power too. The, state-of-the-art, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Infotainment System is a joy to use and is extremely beneficial in allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road, while issuing commands to the cars infotainment system.
Pricing & Verdict;
The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is priced from €32,745 ex-works (B180 Style 1.33-litre petrol, 6-speed manual), while my range-topping test car specification is priced from €38,987 ex-works. Optional extras fitted to my test car included longitudinal-grain light aluminium trim (€240), metallic paint (€945), a panoramic sliding sunroof (€1,834) and a Smartphone Connectivity package (€640). With so much space, prestige, and technology on offer, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class really is a very tempting, premium-brand, MPV proposition indeed.
Fact Box;
1) Stylish All-New Premium MPV
2) Cutting-Edge Technology
3) Petrol or Diesel Engines
4) Manual or Automatic
5) Priced From €32,745 (ex-works)
