2024-01-06 23:00:00
With the B-Class, the brand with the star offers a great, but not exactly cheap, compact model.
Although doubts have recently arisen once more regarding Mercedes boss Ola Källenius’ strategy, the fate of the B-Class seems sealed: the popular compact model should be over by the end of the current model cycle at the latest. The same also applies to the A-Class. But before that happens, we tested the current B-Class once more. Specifically, the variant with a 150 hp diesel engine. In contrast to the pure petrol engines, which are all equipped with a 48-volt electrical system, the diesel has to do without any electrification. In normal operation, the diesel engine is completely unaffected by this and does its job well and remarkably economically. If you slow down on the accelerator, you can easily reduce the consumption of the B-Class with 150 diesel horsepower below the six-liter mark. The excellent eight-speed DCT transmission also makes floating along in traffic with the baby Benz a pleasure. Only the somewhat rough automatic start-stop system noticeably lacks the additional electric boost.
Visually, the third generation of the B-Class has been extremely sporty since the last facelift. What particularly stood out regarding our tester were the high-gloss black painted aluminum wheels in AMG multi-spoke design. What’s really fun is the new, optional LED headlights, which, as is typical for Mercedes, ensure the best possible visibility. In the interior, the B-Class offers a successful mix of analogue button operation and digital screens including an intelligent voice assistant.
IM TEST: Mercedes-Benz B 200 d
Five seats, two-liter diesel, 110 kW/150 hp, 8-speed automatic, front-wheel drive. 1580 kg, trunk 445-1530 l., WLTP standard consumption 5.1 l/100 km 133g. CO₂/km), in the test: 5.9 l. Price: from 43,492 euros, test vehicle 53,042.07 euros.
What likes:
The mix of sporty appearance and thrift. The clean interior and the large trunk.
What you like less:
The extras quickly push the price over the 50,000 euro threshold.
What surprises:
How well the MBUX system’s voice assistant recognizes commands.
Perfect for:
Future Baby Benz nostalgics.
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