Mercedes-Benz B-Class facelift - First Drive Impressions

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has never been the model that South Africans lust over. That accolade has been reserved for the larger C- and E-Class models, and in particular, their AMG derivatives.

While these continue to lead the Mercedes-Benz brand locally, it’s in its native Germany where the understated B-Class is a strong performer. The face-lifted W246 B-Class, launched recently on our shores, may just see local sales climb higher than ever before.

Geared towards the practical, safety conscious buyer, who still wants a touch of sportiness in their life, the updated B-Class offers four different engine options and three different trim packages. Diesel models offer frugality while the AMG Line packages ease the transition from hot hatch, to sensible motoring, without sacrificing status and image.

The facelift sees new front and rear ends with larger air dams and revised lighting, updated with DRL lighting moved from the bumper, into the headlight unit itself. The option for LED High Performance headlamps (standard on the B 250 model) creates a more contemporary visage. Their wider beam pattern and colour temperature improve overall safety and visibility.

The B-Class is certainly not shy on safety and all models come standard with Collision Prevention Assist Plus that has helped reduce rear end collisions by 14%*. The incorporated Attention Assist system has also been upgraded and is now more accurate than ever. Combine the above with the Adaptive Braking and addition of knee airbags and the B-Class offers unrivalled peace-of-mind in its segment.

Inside the B-Class, more changes are evident with a new three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, ARTICO man-made leather trim and high-gloss black Ashwood trim.

The Drive

You cannot expect a low slung, laid back driving position with a vehicle of this nature, but the crossover platform offers a more enveloping environment than one would get from the larger SUV types. Switchgear falls to hand easily and the cabin is deceivingly spacious.

The B 200 and B 220 CDI models offer sufficient low down torque with 300 and 350Nm available respectively. Mated to the 7G-DCT1 dual clutch transmission, the diesel option is a pleasure to drive although some might find throttle response lacking when driven in Economy mode. The option for a slightly more aggressive shift and longer hold can be selected when switching to Sport mode and is the preferred drive mode for the B 200 petrol, when fuel consumption is not a priority.

Fitted with the optional AMG Line package, the B 220 CDIs ride quality was compromised. The larger 18-inch wheels doing little to smooth over the bumps and undulations in the road while the brakes lacked feel on initial application. This package is definitely for those not ready to let go of their youthful driving demands.

The middle rung package, the Urban package, saw the B 200 CDI fitted with smaller 17-inch wheels which immediately made better sense. The ride was more compliant without losing the direct steering feel and well-mannered handling characteristics.

Interior flexibility of the B-Class offers a variety of load options ranging from the already spacious boot, coming in at 486 litres and growing to 1545 litres with the rear seats folded.
Our personal choice would be the B 220 CDI in the Urban package which offers a sensible mix of accessories, trim and fuel efficiency.

*German study

Model	B 200 CDI	B 220 CDI
Number of cylinders/arrangement	4 in-line	4 in-line
Displacement (cc)	2143	2143
Rated output (kW)	100	125
Rated torque (Nm )	300	350
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	4.3	4.1
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)	121	111
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	9.9	8.3
Top speed (km/h)	210	224
Price incl. 14% VAT excl. CO2 emissions	R404 200	R448 000
	R103	0

 

Model	B 200	B 250
Number of cylinders/arrangement	4 in-line	4 in-line
Displacement (cc)	1595	1991
Rated output (kW)	115	155
Rated torque (Nm at r/min)	250 at 1250-4000	350 at 1200-4000
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	5.6	6.1
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)	144	143
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec)	8.6	6.8
Top speed (km/h)	220	240
Price incl. VAT Excl. CO2 emissions	R388 300	R464 800
	R2 462	R2 360