Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a premium family car that offers more space without the bulk of an SUV? The Mercedes-Benz B-Class might be exactly what you need. This versatile compact MPV bridges the gap between a traditional hatchback and a full-sized people carrier, delivering Mercedes’ renowned luxury and quality in a practical, family-friendly package. It’s perfect for those who want German engineering excellence with genuine everyday usability.

The B-Class stands out in a crowded market by offering something different. While rivals like the BMW 2 Series and Volkswagen Golf focus on pure practicality, the B-Class adds a sophisticated edge. The exterior styling is modern and distinctly Mercedes, while the elevated driving position gives you a commanding view of the road. Inside, you’ll find the same high-quality materials and advanced technology that define the brand.

What makes the B-Class truly appealing is its versatility. It’s compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough for family holidays. The ride is refined and comfortable, making longer journeys a pleasure rather than a chore. While it commands a premium over more mainstream alternatives, you’re investing in a car that feels special every day. If you value quality, comfort, and that three-pointed star badge, the B-Class offers excellent value in the premium compact MPV segment.

What's the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Like to Drive?

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class prioritises comfort and refinement over outright performance, which suits its family-focused character perfectly. The engine lineup includes efficient petrol options, with the B180 delivering around 136 horsepower and the B200 offering 163 horsepower for more spirited driving. Both provide smooth, linear power delivery that makes the B-Class feel effortless in everyday use. The 0-60 mph time ranges from around 9.2 seconds for the B200 down to a respectable 8.7 seconds, giving you adequate performance for safe overtaking and motorway merging.

Where this compact MPV truly excels is in its driving dynamics and refinement. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making urban manoeuvring simple, while it gains weight and feel as speeds increase. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections while maintaining good body control through corners. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment that enhances the premium feel. It’s not designed to be a sports car, but it delivers the composed, confidence-inspiring drive that Mercedes is known for.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz B-Class: Comfort & Features

Step inside the B-Class and you’re immediately reminded that this is a Mercedes. The dashboard design is elegant and modern, featuring the brand’s latest MBUX infotainment system with a crisp touchscreen display. Material quality is excellent throughout, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and solid, well-damped controls that operate with precision. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position.

The elevated seating position is one of the B-Class’s key advantages, giving you an excellent view of the road ahead while making entry and exit easier for passengers of all ages. The cabin is impressively quiet, with excellent sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Higher specification models add luxury touches like ambient lighting and premium audio systems that enhance the upmarket atmosphere even further.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class succeeds in delivering a genuinely premium compact MPV experience that sets it apart from mainstream rivals. It combines Mercedes’ reputation for quality and refinement with the practicality that modern families demand. The interior is beautifully appointed, the ride is comfortable and composed, and the build quality feels solid and dependable throughout.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Expensive to Run?

As a premium product, the B-Class comes with running costs that reflect its positioning, though they’re reasonable within its class. The efficient turbocharged petrol engines deliver real-world fuel economy in the mid-40s MPG range, helping to keep fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are moderate for a Mercedes, typically falling into groups 18-25 depending on the specific model and trim level.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which commands a significant premium over mainstream alternatives. However, this investment brings benefits in terms of build quality, refinement, and strong residual values. car finance options can help spread the cost, making this premium experience more accessible. Servicing costs are in line with other Mercedes models, and the brand’s reputation for reliability means you can expect dependable ownership. While it won’t be the cheapest compact MPV to run, the B-Class offers good value for those who appreciate its premium qualities and advanced technology.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Practicality & Boot Space

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class excels in practical everyday use, which is exactly what you’d expect from a compact MPV. The 455-litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating a family’s shopping or several large suitcases for holiday trips. The rear seats fold virtually flat, creating an impressively large load area for bulky items. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find plenty of useful storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials.

Where the B-Class really shines is in passenger accommodation. The elevated roofline provides excellent headroom for adults in both front and rear seats, while legroom is generous enough for comfortable longer journeys. The wide-opening doors make access easy, which families with young children will particularly appreciate. For couples or families with teenagers, the B-Class offers an ideal blend of premium comfort and genuine practicality compared to other used Mercedes cars. Its compact external dimensions mean it’s still easy to park in tight city spaces while maximising interior space.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class stands out in the compact MPV market by delivering genuine premium quality in a practical family package. It successfully combines Mercedes’ renowned build quality, advanced technology, and refined driving experience with the space and versatility that busy families need. While it may not offer the most competitive pricing in its segment, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily ownership.

You choose the B-Class because you want a family car that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its sophisticated interior, smooth and quiet ride, and impressive practicality make it ideal for everything from school runs to family holidays. For buyers seeking a premium alternative to mainstream MPVs, particularly those interested in cars under £30,000, the B-Class represents excellent value in the luxury compact family car segment.