Mercedes-Benz B-Class Hatchback (2005-2011) review
At a glance
| Price new | £17,565 - £25,045 |
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| Used prices | £539 - £3,898 |
| Road tax cost | £190 - £385 |
| Insurance group | 11 - 25 |
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| Fuel economy | Not tested to latest standards |
| Range | 451 - 641 miles |
| Number of doors | 5 |
| View full specs for a specific version | |
Available fuel types
Petrol
Diesel
Pros & cons
Extremely versatile, plenty of interior space, decent diesels, low-emissions versions available
Ungainly styling, wooden to drive, only five seats, expensive options
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (05-11) rivals
Overview
Mercedes describes the B-Class as a compact sports tourer, but in reality it’s as close as you’ll get to a conventional people carrier from the German firm. It’s slightly shorter in length than a Ford Focus C-MAX but has a similarly tall shape, meaning plenty of room for passengers. Compared to a standard hatchback it’s certainly more spacious in the back, but it’s a surprise that it is only available with five-seats, when cheaper alternatives like the Volkswagen Touran can transport seven.
It handles safely but the steering is a let down and the artificial feel robs the driver of feedback. It’s also not cheap to buy new, but strong reliability means it’s a dependable choice as a used purchase. In mid-2008 it was facelifted with sharper looks, an improved interior and cleaner engines.
