Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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

Equipment

Standard models come with electric front windows and door mirrors, selective damping, a space-saver spare wheel, air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, two-level luggage compartment floor, trip computer, folding rear seats with removable seat cushions, reach and height steering adjustment, active front head restraints, front, side and curtain airbags, alarm, electronic stability programme with traction control and steer control plus seatbelt reminders. SE models have 16-inch alloys, colour-coded door handles and mirrors, chrome highlights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, electric rear windows, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. The B200 Turbo has 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, a different grille design, sports suspension (comfort suspension available at no extra cost), unique seat fabric, white illumination instrument panel and sports pedals. In 2008 the B-Class trims were revised and standard features now include hill-start assist, reach adjustable steering column and a larger stowage compartment between the front sides.

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Trim

Equipment

Key:

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Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Manual sunroof
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Space saver spare wheel
  • Sports seats
  • Steel wheels
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Traction control
Standard Trim SE Turbo SPORT
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