Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2019 Review — International

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has always been a niche player in the Australian car market. We never really took to sensible people-movers like they did in Europe, so the SUV has risen supreme.

That leaves the B-Class in a compact premium ‘mini-van’ class almost to itself, except for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – even if BMW hates us calling it a people-mover.

Regardless of the small sales volumes, Mercedes-Benz Australia will persist in offering the third-generation B-Class, which will arrive on local shores mid next-year.

Reflecting the limited market for the people-mover, the range offered in Australia is likely to be very slim indeed. While both petrol and diesel engines will be available overseas it’s only the 1.33-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will be offered here, at least initially.

The powertrain decision is understandable given the expected sales volume, but it’s a shame that we’ll miss out on the torquey 400Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine in the B 220d.

We had a taster of it during the recent European preview, and, paired with Mercedes-Benz’s new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it’s the pick of the bunch for sure.

So why should we be interested in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class?

Small-car buyers that want a bit of extra room and a host of technology inclusions are going to want to take a look at the new Mercedes-Benz B 200, the MkIIII B-Class variant that will be first to arrive around June next year.

All the tech inclusions we love in the new A-Class, like the new MBUX infotainment system, are ported into the B-Class, and with a smart interior and smoothed exterior design, it certainly makes a classy bid for attention.

There’s also a host of driver assistance technology available too, which has been honed on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

This includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which can predict and adjust speed when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts, and Lane Change Assist, which identifies safe overtaking opportunities in traffic.

The B-Class is taller than the A-Class too, translating to added room in the rear, an area where we found the A-Class lacking while judging this year’s Carsales Car of the Year.

Add a higher driving position and great all-round visibility thanks to larger windows and thinner roof pillars, and the B-Class has plenty to offer the pragmatic buyer.

While the B-Class boot isn’t quite at SUV proportions, with rear seats folded it still offers luggage capacity of up to 1540 litres.

The 40:20:40-split folding rear seats and a multi-level boot floor ensure there’s plenty of flexible load-lugging capability, while a sliding rear bench seat will be available next year, taking the boot space with seats up from 455 to 705 litres.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers an interior finish and level of detail that is unrivalled in the premium small-car market.

Introduced in the A-Class and available in the B-Class, one of the innovative features adding interest for older drivers is the Energizing Seat Kinetics feature available for the front seats.

Instead of a full massaging function, the feature makes minute adjustments to the seat cushion and back to save the driver from moving about in the seat to stay comfortable.

It’s a slightly hard concept to explain but once you’ve experienced the seat function in action, it’s easy to see what appeal it should have for either drivers who suffer from bad backs or drivers that spend a long time behind the wheel.

The luxe interior is well finished with leather upholstery and, as usual with Mercedes-Benz, there’s likely to be a number of upgrade options available. While no pricing or specification levels are yet confirmed for Australia options are likely to be in-line with those offered on the A-Class.

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class won’t set any performance benchmarks but drivers choosing this high-sided small car aren’t likely to have much issue with the engine and transmission combination.

The 1.33-litre petrol engine in the B 200 is good for 120kW and 250Nm, and is plenty powerful enough for around-town driving or leisurely cruising.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is reasonably responsive and if you keep acceleration effort moderate then there’s good progression from the powertrain overall.

Mash the throttle, however, and the engine becomes thrashy as if it’s protesting at being placed under load.

It won’t trouble reasoned drivers who aren’t in a hurry to get to their destination but if you’re looking for sportier performance from your sports-tourer then in might pay to await the anticipated introduction of the more powerful 2.0-litre engine from the A250.

While not confirmed for the B-Class portfolio, Mercedes-Benz has promised more engines will come.

The standard B 200 will arrive from the factory with a comfort suspension set-up for the MacPherson front struts and torsion-beam rear axle.

An optional rear multi-link suspension will be available with adaptive damping control including comfort and sport modes. We were unable to sample the base setting on our drive but can report the B 200 rides well in both comfort and sports settings when equipped with Mercedes’ dynamic system.

Even riding on a larger 19-inch wheel, the B 200 is not overly stiff in its sports setting, absorbing bumps well.

And while the engine may protest when pushed hard through corners, the body does not, exhibiting excellent road holding more on a par with a small car than a people-carrier.

Steering wheel feel is tied to the suspension tune and is definitely preferable in the sport setting. In comfort or Eco setting, steering is light and a little vague, but there’s better weight in the wheel once sport mode is selected.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is an interesting conundrum. On the one hand its lack of definability means it will surely be overlooked, but on the other, Mercedes-Benz has thrown so much content at it, that is worth a look for drivers that want a car chocked full of comfort features, technology and driver assistance aids.

Yes, the engine leaves us wanting more but many drivers won’t be troubled in the slightest as they simply won’t be hustling it along like we did on the mountain roads of Majorca.

Anyone that does want more can hold out for Mercedes-Benz Australia to confirm the availability of a 2.0-litre B 250 model.

But not all the bells and whistles available on the B 200 are standard, so adding the extra zing of a wider MBUX screen, fancy ergo seats and the adaptive suspension settings will add thousands to the base price.

As such, it’s unlikely to appeal to budget-constrained family buyers. Cashed-up retirees however, who are looking for a car that’s comfortable and rewarding, may want to give this sports-tourer some attention.

How much is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200?
Price: From under $50,000 (estimated)
On sale: June 2019
Engine: 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 120kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.6L/100km
CO2: 129g/100km
Safety rating: TBC