Mercedes B-Class 2019 has evolved, but is it for the better?
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2019
- This MK3 model Mercedes B-Class represents the brand's third stab at what it calls its 'Sports Tourer'. As for what exactly one of those might be, you can get a feel for the answer at first glance. Here's a car that's clearly more practical and versatile than a Golf or Focus-sized family hatch. But not as frumpy and high-set as a five-seater C-MAX or Scenic-like mid-sized MPV. It's the Mercedes take on compact, upwardly-mobile motoring for a compact, upwardly-mobile family.
Background
Mercedes has always struggled to build compact, affordable cars that feel like, well..... a Mercedes. Not so long ago, you tried an original A or B-Class and thought it nicely built but not quite special enough, ultimately a very expensive way to buy a very expensive badge. And that was a problem. Executives, you see, rarely question the Three-Pointed Star price premium in their large, smart saloons and SUVs, its necessity obvious every time they ease behind the wheel.
Without that extra class, choosing one of this brand's smaller models can sometimes seem like a colossally costly way of buying what in essence was a fairly ordinary family hatchback. The suits from Stuttgart knew it and in response have in recent times invested more than ever before in new, more Merc-like generation of compact models. This is one of them, the third generation B-Class which arrived here in late 2018.
Driving Experience
This time round, Mercedes is promising what it calls 'more sports for the Tourer' which, if true, would be nice because the previous generation version of this car wasn't especially interesting to drive. This one's not going to float any enthusiast's boat either but it'll probably be ideal for its likely family-orientated clientele. Any of these people wanting to get more of a move on when returning from the school run can this time round dial up a little more engineering response by switching between the modes of the provided 'Dynamic Select' driving modes system. Active adaptive damping can be specified to work with this set-up.
Let's talk engines. The B180 and B200 petrol variants both use a 1.3-litre petrol unit mated to 7G-DCT 7-Speed automatic transmission. This offers 134hp in the B180 and 161hp in the B200. The B200d and B220d diesel variants use a more modern 8G-DCT 8-Speed automatic transmission and feature the brand's latest 2.0-litre diesel engine. In the B200d, it has an output of 148hp and 320Nm of torque, while in the B220d, it generates 188hp and 400Nm. For the first time, the B-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. That's assuming you specify the optional 'Driving Assistance package' with its 'Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC' feature which uses camera and radar systems to anticipate the traffic up to 500 metres ahead, while predictively and conveniently adjusting the speed when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts.
Design and Build
Pretty much everything's new here and this time we're promised a proper 'premium' feel from this car, inside and out. The designers' brief was to make this MK3 model B-Class stand out from volume brand mid-sized MPVs and to that end, there's a long wheelbase with short overhangs, a slightly lowered roof line and larger, 16 to 19-inch wheels making for more dynamic proportions.
The cabin's come in for a spruce-up too, with materials quality improved and, like the current A-Class, a screen-dominated interior, with monitors of up to 10.25-inches in size for the infotainment display and the instruments. The key infotainment change is the introduction of the brand's MBUX operating system with its 'Hey Mercedes' voice functionality. The fascia's five round air vents feature a high-grade turbine look with finely styled air ducts, inspired by the world of aviation. On the back seat, the rear bench base can slide and the backrest angle can be altered to enhance luggage space, which can therefore vary between 455 and 705-litres with all seats in place. Fold the rear seat down and up to 1,540-litres of space can be freed up.
Market and Model
You won't be expecting this B-Class to be priced alongside similarly-shaped volume brand mid-sized MPVs like the Citroen C4 Space Tourer and the Ford C-MAX. It isn't. But if you were looking at an upper-spec version of a contender like that, this Mercedes could still appeal. Prices sit in the £27,000 to £33,000 bracket and there are two trim levels available - 'Sport' and 'AMG Line'.
The Sport trim line comes as standard with the brand's sophisticated MBUX multimedia system with 'Hey Mercedes' voice activation. Plus you get a seven-inch instrument binnacle display and a seven-inch touchscreen centre-dash media screen. Along with a reversing camera, 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, hard-disk navigation, automatic two-zone climate control and LED high-performance headlights.
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Would you consider a B-Class?
If only it had a third row of seats
2 series active tourer all day long. Mercedes build quality is not great, and Bmw engines are just so good.
Too old fashioned
I owned a Mk1 B class as I’d been weaning myself away from C class. It was the most useful car I’d ever owned, good reliability and cost of ownership cheaper than my current VW Golf. Yes I’d buy one as the new spec has only increased its appeal .
Nah. Good review but this isn't for me. Why do they feel the need to 'sport' it up? And it looks too ordinary considering it's a Mercedes.
Long awaited long review of the B Class ! 🙏
👍 glad we could help
40:37 *Great very thorough review, well done. I currently have a B200 CDi AMG Line 7 speed Automatic (W245) and have been absolutely delighted with it. £30 Annual Road Tax, Up to 72.3 Genuine MPG and on the Autobahn achieved 142 mph (Shown on Sat-Nav) Over 22,000 Miles it has averaged 54.4 MPG which includes a lot of short urban trips, as well as very high speed Autobahn Driving. Currently seriously considering replacing with the new model, however I have heard a rumour that next year a **_Plug in Hybrid_** and **_all Electric_** will be introduced. PS I was at a privileged Mercedes review panel at Dortmund in December 2016 participating in customer feedback and comments on this Model, and can't say anymore otherwise I would have to kill you ! (Made in Rastatt Germany not Stuttgart)*
Thanks for the feedback GrrMeister 👍 great to hear back from owners and the experience they have had with the car. Are you the German 007?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply *_Nein Nein Herr OSV,_** but collected mine from Rastatt where present models are manufactured and had a tour of the Works and Museum before handover of Car. Sadly this 1st Class, Rail, Plane & Hotel return trip option all paid for no longer available. Regarding the **_007 Label_** Well actually I have skied the Schilthorn Black Run (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) but did **_'downgrade'_** from an 'S' Class and much prefer in every way the W246 - the braking, steering, acceleration, silence and Economy all exceed the 420SE 'S' Class (W126) I owned for many years and did clock 145 MPH on Autobahn which bettered the 'B' Class by 3mph but that was Speedo Reading. Thanks for mentioning how quiet the engine is at (**7:35**) as I regularly challenge passengers to be able to detect any engine noise, as quite a few are thinking an Electric Version would be quieter ! You can't get 2 mountain bikes in the boot of an S Class, but you can easily in the 'B'*
Hey, I am interested in buying a B class, but the only question that Ive got left is how good the sound system is. Im on the road quite often, and I use my time in the car by calling people for arrangements and work etc. I just want to hear people talk clearly and I want them to hear me talk clearly, so no background noises.
I really don't see the point in hybrid or all electric when modern diesel engines are so efficient and economical.
@@davidyoung9561 *It's all this Green Party nonsense !*
I do wish they would offer a few extra colours. GREAT review full of detail.
Thanks, Fred 👍 what colour is your shed?
Thank You! & Good Reviw.
Thank you for nailing the difference right at the start between the A and the B.
Thanks for the great feedback, Mark. Are you interested in getting a new Mercedes?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Yes. Not sure about the new Golf 8 (had a Golf 6 for a long time). Wanted to level up to an A.
That that is a proper unbiased review,
We do our best, Malcolm! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 👍
Fantastic review as alwas,,,Well done .
Thanks Robert, that's great to hear 👍
I like the style on this more than the A-Class, the proportions seem more correct.
*Exactly, the more popular 'A' Class with **_'Millenials'_** looks like an Elephant has sat on it, and the far more practical 'B' (2 mountain bikes in back no problem) is seen as a 'GrandPa' Car. Have both the W245 and W246 Versions, B200 CDi and the former is used for towing a 1½ Ton Caravan which it does superbly, and economically. (Around 25-30 mpg Towing which is around the same as my brothers fairly small Camper Van.)*
Thank you
Our pleasure, Mohamed 👍
Thank you for the excellent review! My wife and I are currently looking at a 2019 B class d200 and I think you've made a good case for it. The only thing we're mulling is the size of the boot. Tricky.
Hi Johan, thanks for the great feedback. If you live in the UK one of of vehicle specialists would happily look into this for you. Contact us today via this link: www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/
MB messed up when they took the all-electric model away. This new look with a larger battery would have made great sales.
*Heard today update Mid 2020 **_Plug in Hybrid_** models with up to 50 Miles on battery, and 'Pure Electric' range unknown but suspect 220-250 Miles. Asked Mercedes dealer and prices as yet not available.*
Great review - B class a worthy member of Mercedes family
Thanks, Malcolm 👍 we weren't too sure when we first heard of it... but we were wrong. great vehicle
50:00 *Conclusion - Put it in 'Sport' Mode and a warning will pop up, "are you sure" and the car goes like a **-scalded cat-** rocket if you insist - can be truly frightening (B200 CDi AMG)*
Compact MPV is the greatest car body-type Europe created. Now they're all being replaced by SUVs. Amazingly it's only Mercedes-Benz and BMW (2-series AT) that are keeping it up.
*Big discounts are available on this latest B Class, particularly pre registered low milage, which make it even cheaper than a Golf ! - Check it out on line, especially vehicles registered 2019 as 2020 is only just over a month away. I have just agreed a purchase of pre-reg 19 plate with 81 miles on clock B200CDi AMG with Premium Pack at £10,000 less than list price. at the moment (late November) dealers are desperate to sell their stock to get a 'Santa' Bonus.Bad time to sell, good time to buy. Picking it up tomorrow and can't think straight !*
45.45 *The **_Sailing Mode_** is not a song by Rod, but is a 'freewheeling' mode that I have found very useful and used sensibly anticipating traffic ahead can greatly aid MPG - I have achieved 95% efficiency on my W246 B200 CDi and would expect similar results. Have bettered Mercedes figures with a 90 mile trip from Bridgnorth to home 90 miles and showing 74.3 MPG -*
Hi my friend,
I'm planning to buy a 2015 B250 sports tourer, 111k kms. It will be my first car in Toronto but worried about maintenance, repair cost.
Can you share how much it cost yearly?
Nice car but still preferring the 2018 facelift BMW Active Tourer overall. I wonder how the 2021 BMW AT will turn out.
But as with all premium German brands - options...
Like the new B-Class ☑️👏🏽
What do you think of the 1.3 136BHP petrol engine, is it under powered for a car of this size ?
It is underpowered, i owned 157 hP, that is quite perfect. And i have oredred new one with 163hP.
It depends on what car you're coming from. 136 HP seems substantial for most people.
I would opt for the petrol model.
ridiculous
Mercedes forgot to add a supercharger again!
The highlight of this video was at 44:31 on seeing a 1976 Kawasaki Z1.
Great spot David 👍
What's it like to get in and out of if you have dodgy knees? Seems quite low.
It is lower than its alternatives, if you want to find something more suitable feel free to contact our vehicle experts here at OSV www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/
I have 2 bad knees and it is a doddle to get in and out I thoroughly recommend trying one brilliant cars placing an order soon
Mind you you must make sure you Jack the seat height up
Very easy indeed, my wife acts a volunteer picking up elderly to take to local Church Luncheon Club, and none have any difficulty, either in the front or rear. It's not 'low'
20:16 🤔
*How much did it cost Mercedes to develop the latest 'B' Class - well over a Billion €.....*
What ground clearance does It have?.
170mm 👍
So let’s not refer to it as an SUV..
It certainly doesn’t look anything like 170.
@@davidpearn5925 Well I consider that a good description, can load 2 adult mountain bikes in rear, huge amount of ski luggage (Incl 4 sets of Skis) Achieve 140 mph (B200CDi W246) and return over 70mpg (best I got 74.3 over 90 mile trip)
@@davidpearn5925 170 is ridiculous as it is definitely not more than 140 and the approach angles are awful. It is not an SUV in any way and not capable of even climbing a relatively abrupt acces way.
i'm going for bmw 225xe phev. hope it beat merc
9:54 *Amazing Prediction - are you some kind of Prophet or Clairvoyant anticipating the PanicDemic due in early 2020*
I love because wholesaler money for it.
Mercedes no Brasil disel
Expensive for mantenance like a secon-hand sold...
i recemeber was to you meet work with dave idie
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Benz quality is getting too cheap
Jamminz
Same with BMW. After all when your handing over a large chunk of change, especially on a premium badge vehicle, its disappointing when you discover the over use of cheap nasty plastics, in the construction of your car.
YOu are making me fall asleep
Ridiculous comment! Absolutely brilliant review. Piles of useful information for prospective B class buyers.