Photo: Catalin Garmacea
Mercedes-Benz invented the compact luxury sports tourer when it launched the original B-Class model in 2005. It had a number of quirky innovations that made it different to French MPVs, including intelligent engine placement that helped reduce its overall footprint.
Fast forward ten years, and we're dealing with a completely new animal, larger and more practical in nature. The 2015 B-Class sits lower to the ground on a new platform shared with the A-Class hatch and CLA four-door. The model was introduced in 2011, and this year the Germans decided to refresh it by adding some of the design features from the W205 C-Class. Better headlights, park assist and a radar-based active safety system were all added in the desperate fight for customer attention.
autoevolution's review of the 2015 B-Class centers around the B180 CDI model equipped with a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. We believe the majority of European buyers will go for this model though Mercedes data suggests the manual is in higher demand than the €1,900 auto. Under the bonnet is an engine sourced from Renault, a 1.5-liter diesel to be precise, producing 109 horsepower. It's a compromise that leaves the car feeling gutless but surprisingly frugal, considering the overall weight starts at 1.4 tons.
Interior revisions include a new steering wheel designed with better materials and sporty grips. The B-Class also has discrete ambient lighting and can be equipped with keyless go. You sit high behind the wheel and are greeted by an acceleration pedal with very long travel. For the most part, interior quality is excellent, but the old-fashioned dashboard buttons are a bit disappointing.
On the road, the B-Class is composed and refined with very little wind noise coming in. However, the steering lacks feel on Comfort models, and if the larger 18-inch wheels and lowered suspension system are combined, the ride is unpleasantly firm.
If you want to know how it stacks up against the BMW 2 Series AT and other rivals, read our review of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
autoevolution's review of the 2015 B-Class centers around the B180 CDI model equipped with a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. We believe the majority of European buyers will go for this model though Mercedes data suggests the manual is in higher demand than the €1,900 auto. Under the bonnet is an engine sourced from Renault, a 1.5-liter diesel to be precise, producing 109 horsepower. It's a compromise that leaves the car feeling gutless but surprisingly frugal, considering the overall weight starts at 1.4 tons.
Interior revisions include a new steering wheel designed with better materials and sporty grips. The B-Class also has discrete ambient lighting and can be equipped with keyless go. You sit high behind the wheel and are greeted by an acceleration pedal with very long travel. For the most part, interior quality is excellent, but the old-fashioned dashboard buttons are a bit disappointing.
On the road, the B-Class is composed and refined with very little wind noise coming in. However, the steering lacks feel on Comfort models, and if the larger 18-inch wheels and lowered suspension system are combined, the ride is unpleasantly firm.
If you want to know how it stacks up against the BMW 2 Series AT and other rivals, read our review of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
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