The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has long been a mainstay in the compact segment, offering premium comfort and practicality since its introduction in 2005. The current generation, launched in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, builds on this legacy with a sharper design, advanced technology, and a mixture of efficient engine choices, including plug-in hybrid options. This latest B-Class continues to focus on family-friendly usability, with a spacious cabin, flexible seating arrangements, and a versatile boot.
The B-Class is a sophisticated, versatile and well-built compact MPV that blends practicality with Mercedes-Benz’s hallmarks of luxury, refinement and impressive build quality. Its combination of comfort, advanced technology, and clever design make it a credible rival for the excellent BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew Mercedes-Benz B-Class prices start from £36,215 for the entry-level B 180 Sport Executive, rising to approximately £43,470 for the AMG Line Premium Plus.
Optional extras can be expensive and higher trims can add significantly to the price, and with the Expensive Car VED Supplement kicking in from £40,000 upwards (£50,000 from April 2026) you need to be careful to not accidentally tip the list price over into the higher price category – otherwise you’ll be paying £620 a year road tax for the first six years, as opposed to the £195 standard charge on all other models.
On the used market, the current generation B-Class starts from around £16,000 on AACars.com, reflecting strong resale values.
The B-Class is available with a wide array of engine choices, including turbocharged petrol and diesel options as well as a plug-in hybrid.
The B 180 petrol model is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 136bhp and 200Nm of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds. The B 200 petrol features the same engine configuration but is more potent, boosting the output to 163bhp and 250Nm, achieving 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds.
For those who still favour diesel, the B 200 d is a great choice – it uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 150bhp and 320Nm, capable of reaching 62 mph from standstill in 8.3 seconds. The more powerful B 220 d diesel variant increases performance to 190bhp and 400Nm, getting the 0 to 62 mph time down to 7.2 seconds.
The B 250 e plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 218bhp and 450Nm; this version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.8 seconds and offers an electric-only range of up to 45 miles according to WLTP standards.
All versions come equipped with either a seven or eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth gear changes and responsive performance. The plug-in hybrid model further enhances versatility by providing silent, all-electric driving for short journeys and an efficient blend of petrol and electric power for longer trips.
The B-Class is comfortable and composed, prioritising refinement over out-and-out dynamics and all the better for it – few family cars are as relaxing to drive.
Steering is light yet precise, and the car feels agile in urban settings while remaining stable on the motorway. Cabin insulation is impressive, ensuring a quiet ride even at higher speeds.
Visibility is excellent thanks to a large glass area and a raised driving position. Standard parking sensors and a reversing camera make manoeuvring in tight spaces fairly easy.
While the B-Class is designed with comfort in mind, AMG Line models with larger alloy wheels can feel firm over rough surfaces. Optional adaptive suspension allows drivers to tailor the ride to their preference, balancing comfort and control, and is highly recommended on these models.
Otherwise, they all drive very well indeed, with safe, predictable handling, although the steering and chassis dynamics aren’t as sharp as they are on the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, for example.
Inside, you’ll find a contemporary, well-appointed cabin featuring Mercedes-Benz’s signature twin 10.25-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment and a premium yet retro-inspired theme that runs across all of the brand’s models.
High-quality materials abound, with soft-touch finishes, ambient lighting, and firm yet supportive seats providing an upmarket feel.
Space is generous for all passengers, with ample legroom and headroom, even in the rear, where the seats can recline and slide to optimise comfort or boot space. A pair of ISOFIX points on the outer seats ensure child seat compatibility.
The B-Class offers a 455-litre boot with the seats upright, expanding to 1,540 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. The boot floor is low for easy loading, and plug-in hybrid models feature underfloor storage to keep the charging cables out of the way.
Additional in-cabin storage includes large door bins, cupholders, and a flexible centre console with multiple storage options.
Standard equipment on all models includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless start, and a full suite of driver assistance features.
Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, upgraded Burmester audio, augmented reality navigation, and advanced safety technologies. Over-the-air updates keep the infotainment system updated, and it’s one of the best on the market.
The B-Class is offered in Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, and AMG Line Premium Plus trims, each with distinct styling and equipment packages.
The entry-level Sport Executive features 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, MBUX infotainment, and comprehensive safety aids.
AMG Line models add sportier exterior touches, larger wheels, and bespoke interior finishes, as well as optional adaptive dampers.
Stepping up to AMG Line Premium, you get a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, a larger MBUX multimedia display, upgraded navigation functions, and a superb Burmester sound system. This trim also includes heated front seats, keyless entry, and hands-free boot access.
Colour choices include favourites such as Polar White, Cosmos Black, Iridium Silver, Denim Blue, Obsidian Black and a selection of vibrant metallics, with further personalisation available through Mercedes-Benz’s Manufaktur personalisation programme.
The 2022 B-Class achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with scores of 96% for adult occupant protection, 90% for child occupant protection, 78% for vulnerable road user protection, and 75% for safety assist systems.
Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and speed limit recognition.
Mercedes-Benz has a strong reputation for reliability, and the standard warranty runs for three years or up to 100,000 miles. Batteries in plug-in hybrid models are warranted for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
Petrol engines, namely the B 180 and B 200, achieve official WLTP fuel economy figures of around 45-50 mpg, depending on specification. The B 200 d and B 220 d diesel engines are more efficient, returning 55-62 mpg. The plug-in hybrid B 250 e offers combined WLTP fuel consumption of up to 235 mpg, though real-world figures depend on charging frequency and journey length.
CO2 emissions range from as low as 22 g/km for the plug-in hybrid to 148 g/km for petrol and diesel models.
Road tax for most models is £195 per year, with the Expensive Car VED Supplement applying to higher-priced variants, which will cost £620 a year to tax for the first five years.
Insurance groups are from 18 to 28, which are fairly average for the segment. Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,500 miles, and Mercedes-Benz provides a three-year warranty, with options for extended cover.
London
London
London
Connect with us
