Overview

The Mercedes B-Class is a rare thing in this day and age, a five-seat MPV that’s based on a car and not a van. To be exact, that car is a Mercedes A-Class so this family hauler should make running the kids to nursery a more premium experience. An update in 2023 trimmed down the engine range to a single petrol and one lonely diesel, although there’s still a broad selection of trims.

Even entry-level Sport gets an electric tailgate, LED lights front and rear, single-zone climate control, heated front seats and a reversing camera. AMG Line Executive largely brings more aggressive styling inside and out but does add 40/20/40 split folding rear seats.

The B-Class’s biggest rival is the 1 Series-based BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, another small but posh MPV that also comes with a sliding rear bench to improve bootspace or legroom. It also gets the option of plug-in hybrid and higher performing petrol engines. Audi and the other premium brands don’t offer anything comparable, but you could always consider the Volkswagen Touran which scores for being a seven-seater. Other than that, you’re basically looking at van-based stuff like the Ford Tourneo Connect and Citroen Berlingo.

AMG Line Premium is worth considering if you must have the looks, giving you two-zone climate control, blind spot assist and an upgraded stereo. As for AMG Line Premium Plus, it gets all the bells and whistles including electrically adjustable front seats with memory, a head-up display, 360 degree camera system, adaptive headlights, an opening panoramic roof and 19-inch wheels.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll let you know how practical the B-Class is and just how plush it feels inside. We’ll also cover the driving experience including comfort, handling and efficiency, plus other burdens on you bank balance. By the time you click through to the verdict, you’ll know if the B-Class is any good and if there’s something else you should look at instead.