Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) - Review Review by David Ross on 30 August 2005 Last Updated: 23 February 2011 Mercedes describes the B-Class as a compact sports tourer, but in reality it's as close as you'll get to a conventional people carrier from the German firm. It's slightly shorter in length than a Ford Focus C-MAX but has a similarly tall shape, meaning plenty of room for passengers. Compared to a standard hatchback it's certainly more spacious in the back, but it's a surprise that it is only available with five-seats, when cheaper alternatives like the Volkswagen Touran can transport seven. It handles safely but the steering is a let down and the artificial feel robs the driver of feedback. It's also not cheap to buy new, but strong reliability means it's a dependable choice as a used purchase. In mid-2008 it was facelifted with sharper looks, an improved interior and cleaner engines. 3 out of 5 Other Mercedes-Benz reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £17,710 - £25,210 Used price range: £4,739 - £19,205 View all used prices Get a Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) information pack Next steps Mercedes-Benz B-Class cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 321 models like this for sale, starting at £2,995. Find used Mercedes-Benz B-Classs for sale Extremely versatile, plenty of interior space, decent diesels, low-emissions versions available Ungainly styling, wooden to drive, only five seats, expensive options Mercedes describes the B-Class as a compact sports tourer, but in reality it's as close as you'll get to a conventional people carrier from the German firm. It's slightly shorter in length than a Ford Focus C-MAX but has a similarly tall shape, meaning plenty of room for passengers. Compared to a standard hatchback it's certainly more spacious in the back, but it's a surprise that it is only available with five-seats, when cheaper alternatives like the Volkswagen Touran can transport seven. It handles safely but the steering is a let down and the artificial feel robs the driver of feedback. It's also not cheap to buy new, but strong reliability means it's a dependable choice as a used purchase. In mid-2008 it was facelifted with sharper looks, an improved interior and cleaner engines. Driving & Performance Performance 3 out of 5"The B-Class shares its engines with the A-Class - both were launched around the same time. The range..." Handling 3 out of 5"It isn't a car aimed at enthusiastic drivers, but the B-Class is safe and composed. There is little..." Comfort Comfort 3.5 out of 5"Four adults can travel in comfort in the B-Class. For five occupants, you'd better hope at least two..." Practicality 4 out of 5"It misses out on a maximum score here because a major selling point of its interior - the Easy-Vario..." Equipment 3 out of 5"Standard models come with electric front windows and door mirrors, selective damping, a space-saver..." Behind the wheel 3 out of 5"You sit relatively high in the driving seat of the B-Class, but it doesn't feel like you're driving..." Costs Running costs 3 out of 5"Although there is a reasonable amount of equipment for the money, the B-Class is priced..." Green credentials 3.5 out of 5"The B-Class performs fairly well on the eco front - and the introduction of BlueEFFICIENCY has..." Safety & Reliability Safety 4 out of 5"The B-Class doesn't have a Euro NCAP crash test rating yet, but the smaller A-Class received the..." Reliability 3 out of 5"Mercedes-Benz has suffered from some electrical faults with a few recent models, such as the 2002..." Buying & Selling Buying new 3 out of 5"The B-Class isn't cheap but Mercedes dealers should be more open to deals on this model compared to..." Buying used 4 out of 5"If you're after a high quality people carrier with a strong image then the B-Class could be ideal." Selling 3 out of 5"A practical interior and the Mercedes-Benz badge will help the B-Class sell as a used car. The..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) B160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5d 4 out of 5 “ The interior space and boot size. ” liz davis Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Mercedes-Benz B-Class cars for sale We have 321 models like this for sale. Find Mercedes-Benz B-Class cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) B160 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5d 4 out of 5 “ The interior space and boot size. ” liz davis