Name: Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2019 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car...
Item: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Rating: 70

Summary

The original Mercedes-Benz B-Class was first launched in 2005 as a small MPV. However, the current third-generation version of 2019 is now, more or less, a bigger variant of the A-class hatchback. Even the Mercedes-Benz website refers to it as a hatchback rather than an MPV.

As Carbuyer states: “The B-Class aims to blend the quality, refinement and high-tech interior of the A-Class with greater space and practicality.”

There is plenty of powertrain choice in the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, with a selection of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options on offer. On the road testers generally describe it as comfortable to travel in but dull behind the wheel, though Car concludes: “it’s far from rubbish to drive.”

Interior space also scores with reviewers, although it further shows how Mercedes has abandoned any attempt to position the B-Class as an MPV – it’s lacking the usual seven-seat capability and the boot is not as big as you might expect. “There’s plenty of headroom front and rear, and legroom is acceptable,” says Company Car Today.

The interior finish comes in for more praise, Parkers describing it as “a vast improvement over the previous generation car” and highlighting the high-tech environment that has replaced previous dated buttons, especially the touchscreens which are dubbed best-in-class.

All this tech comes at a price, however, and several testers dub the B-Class an expensive option. “It’s fully loaded, although that’s going to cost you,” says The Telegraph and Company Car Today points out that some of the desirable tech is bundled into expensive options packs.

A facelifted B-Class arrived in the UK in late 2022 with minor updates to engines and trims. A plug-in hybrid version of the B-Class was previously offered but is no longer available.

As of January 2024, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 70%. It gets good marks for low CO2 emissions, while its safety rating and running costs are also good.

B-Class highlights

Lots of space
Comfortable on the road
Stylish visuals
Quality finish
Lots of tech

B-Class lowlights

Dull driving experience
Expensive for what it is
Not a true MPV like previous models
Boot could be bigger

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £35,125 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s not a proper MPV, but the much-improved Mercedes-Benz B-Class boasts a spacious and classy cabin.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The premium Mercedes B-Class MPV benefits from updates that move it further upmarket.” (Dean Gibson)
Read review

Model reviewed: B 200 d
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s a stretch to consider the Mercedes-Benz B-Class a full MPV, but if an A-Class isn’t quite roomy enough then it’s worthy of consideration. It gets the same gorgeous tech-laden dashboard and it feels much the same to drive. Compared to conventional MPV rivals, however, it’s pricey and not as spacious.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Score: 8 / 10
“The B-Class is a small family car that builds on the A-Class hatchback by adding more space and practicality. It’s not particularly cheap, but it nevertheless offers a worthy alternative to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Few people will buy a Mercedes-Benz B-Class for what we might refer to as emotional reasons. The A-Class with which it shares so many components is the better steer and more conventionally attractive. But what differences there are add up to alter the proposition significantly.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Pose factor will attract many small families to a Mercedes-Benz B-class, and it’s far from rubbish to drive. It’s got a little more personality than a Golf SV and blows the 2-Series Active Tourer out of the water for interior wow factor and available tech.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B 200d AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Mercedes-Benz has made vast improvements to the B-Class on this latest model. It now looks stylish and comes with a superb interior. By increasing in size, it’s also improved on the only real reason you would buy one over an A-Class – space and practicality.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“It’s not a true MPV, but the Mercedes-Benz B-Class excels as a spacious, classy hatchback.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes B-Class is a tall, spacious family car that’s easy to drive and a good alternative to many modern SUVs. You’ll have to pay extra for lots of key features, though.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre diesel automatic B200d AMG Line
Score: 7.9 / 10
“Mercedes has successfully reinvigorated the B-Class, although it still won’t be a huge seller compared to the A-Class hatchback. Costs stack up well against rivals.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B 200 d AMG Line
“The B-Class is a very smart evolution of what we would have previously called an MPV, although I am loath to dub this car with that title because it is so smart looking. It has the lovely AMG grille front and body styling which is about as far removed from a people carrier as you can get.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The steadfastly sensible Mercedes-Benz B-Class ignores on-trend fads and focuses on what matters in a five-seat MPV: practicality and comfort. For those who value space higher than style, it’s worth checking out, even if it won’t jump out as a must-buy straight away.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“In terms of the looks, it’s not going to win any style contests, but what the Mercedes-Benz B-Class does have is one of the best interiors around. Against the competition like the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Volkswagen Golf SV, the B-Class has a much fresher and more appealing cabin.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Practical version of the popular A-Class hatchback.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B 220d
Score: 8 / 10
“Engulfed by a slough of SUVs, compact multi-purpose vehicles aren’t terribly popular any more, but when they are done as well as this you wonder why. It’s really expensive, but the equipment levels and driving experience just about justify the prices.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“New B-Class is, in essence, just a tall hatch… Good, but not as versatile as others.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is smart inside, comfortable and really practical. If you’re looking for a genuine SUV alternative and you don’t need seven seats, it’s well worth a look.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 75%

More safety recognition

The current Mercedes-Benz B-Class was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and scored a maximum five-star rating – the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking was praised and the active safety systems scored maximum points for detection of cyclists.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 87
Average repair cost: £701.86
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of January 2024, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is slightly above average when it comes to reliability with a score of 69%, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current model (2019 onwards) as well as earlier generations.

The average repair costs is also reasonably high at about £700. That’s obviously a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is certainly worth considering if you own a B-Class or are thinking about buying one.

The most common problems reported for the B-Class are electrical system and suspension. Engine problems are not uncommon, and it’s worth noting that the average repair bill for engine problems is nearly £2,000.

Make sure that any used car warranty you are purchasing covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	45 mpg	C	40 – 46 mpg	C – D
Diesel models	54 mpg	B	51 – 55 mpg	B – B
Plug-in hybrid models	245 mpg	A	235 – 257 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	141 g/km	B	138 – 162 g/km	B – C
Diesel models	138 g/km	B	122 – 145 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	26 g/km	A	24 – 28 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	41 miles	D	40 – 43 miles	D – D

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	4.4 m/KWh	B	4.4 – 4.4 m/KWh	B – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	23	B	19 – 30	A – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£233	B
Year 2	£585	B
Year 3	£1,064	C
Year 4	£1,238	B
Year 5	£1,661	B
Overall	£4,781	B

Running costs for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class are reasonably good, according to numbers provided exclusively for The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is average for petrol models but better for diesel versions. The plug-in hybrid looks amazing on paper, but this is misleading because of the way that the EU/UK government lab tests are conducted. There’s no way you’re going to drive for 245 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol and some electricity in the real world.

When running on its electric motor, the B-Class plug-in hybrid is quite efficient – although on any plug-in hybrid, the battery range is very limiting. You’ll need to keep it charged every day if you want to get the best economy out of it.

Insurance and servicing sosts are better than average, which will help your wallet from emptying itself at annual service time.