Used Mercedes B-Class 2019-present review

It might surprise many to discover that this is the third generation of the Mercedes B-Class, a mid-size MPV that has often been overlooked in the German firm’s extensive range.

The first was a bit plain-jane, and was perhaps no more than an enlarged version of the old A-Class; the second then shifted emphasis slightly to become a more straightforward MPV, with an improved exterior design and more versatility, and here’s the third, which at first glance seems to continue and expand on the themes of the second.

It hopes to improve on the earlier cars’ refinement and road manners, both of which were down on what most of their rivals were offering. A gentle redesign has certainly made it better looking, and underneath it shares much with the latest A-Class, which has already proved itself a highly competent performer on the road.

Mercedes offers four petrols and three diesels in this B-Class, all turbocharged and with a capacity no larger than 1950cc. All B-Class variants are front-wheel drive, but petrol and diesel models employ different gearboxes to direct their power to the road. With the exception of the entry-level B180d, those fuelled from the black diesel pump feature an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox; petrols and the bottom-rung diesel have a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Two trim levels are offered – Sport and AMG Line – with the list of standard equipment including climate control, LED headlights, cruise control, faux-leather seats and 17in alloys. AMG Line trim adds mainly styling fripperies, with the real goodies being added in a number of optional packs. There’s an Executive pack, which brings front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, power-folding door mirrors and a large 10.3in touchscreen. The Premium pack is also worth looking out for. This adds keyless entry, ambient interior lighting, larger 10.3in digital instrument dials and an upgraded sound system.

On the road, the entry-level 1.3-litre petrol (badged B180) has performance that’s adequate rather than scintillating, but even with bums on all five seats and a bootful of baggage, there’s enough oomph to get up hills without thrashing the engine. That’s a good thing because, when you do rev the engine harder, it doesn’t sound particularly pleasant. The B200 adds more oomph, the B220 adds even more so and the B250 is a real flyer.

The 180d gets along well enough, although it can be noisy at high revs. Of the 2.0-litre diesels (badged B200d and B220d), both are genuinely impressive. Even the B200d produces its maximum pulling power low down in the rev range, so it feels punchy enough around town and, unlike some diesels, delivers its power progressively rather than in one big rush when the turbocharger kicks in. The B220d ultimately feels quite a bit nippier and is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in a hot hatch-baiting 7.2sec.

Later versions dropped the B220 and added a B250e plug-in hybrid model to the range. It has a 1.3-litre petrol engine but one that’s augmented by an electric motor that provides a healthy slug of extra pulling power. It’s very nearly as quick as the regular B250, but also offers an official all-electric range of up to 44 miles.

Mercedes has prioritised ride comfort in the B-Class. It's supple over patchy surfaces and rides really smoothly on faster roads. And, while sharp-edged potholes can send the odd shudder through the body, this isn't irritating. Meanwhile, on the handling side, the B-Class does a fine job through tight twists and turns. Paired with light but accurate steering and plenty of grip, it’s a surprisingly decent companion when the road gets twisty.

Inside, although there’s only about an inch more head room for passengers in the front and rear seats than the A-Class, things are genuinely pleasant, and the B-Class has an airy ambience unmatched among its rivals. There’s plenty of space both front and rear, and the B-Class succeeds as a luxury proposition because the interior design and materials used are opulent.

The dashboard is modern and stylish and fairly intuitive to use, too. It also uses Mercedes’ MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) touchscreen infotainment system. As standard, this incorporates two 7.0in screens: one for features such as the sat-nav and radio, the other replacing the traditional analogue instrument binnacle.

The B-Class has one of the largest boots in the class. Indeed, you’ll fit more in it than you would a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or VW Golf SV, and it benefits from a low load lip and a broad aperture. All of this is a boon when you’re loading pushchairs and other bulky items.

If you're interested in buying a used Mercedes B-Class, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

You’ll need at least £18,000 to get behind the wheel of a 2019 180 petrol or 180d diesel model, this for a car with a nominal mileage for the year bought from a franchised dealer. Look to spend between £18,000 and £22,000 on a top-spec model of the same vintage, and £22,000 to £25,000 on a 2020 car. Think £25,000 to £30,000 for a 2021 or 2022 car.

The previous model sold in relatively small numbers but held on to its residuals, so we’d expect this model to be the same.

MPG

The B180d claims an average fuel consumption of 61.4mpg under the latest WLTP tests for a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 111g/km. The B200d average 57.7mpg and 115g/km. The more powerful B220d is good for a claimed average of 56.5mpg and 116g/km, despite being faster. The best-performing petrol car is the B180 with a claimed 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.

Road tax

All of this generation of B-Class will have been registered after April 2017, so you’ll be charged a flat-rate fee for annual car tax (VED). That currently stands at £155 per year for hybrids, and £165 for petrol and diesel vehicles. Beware buying one that cost more than £40,000 new, though, because you will pay an additional luxury car tax as well, currently £355 per year for years two to five.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance and servicing costs should be higher than for a Ford or Kia, but on a par with other premium brands. Mercedes offers a special servicing plan for its cars, which allows you to pay by direct debit or in instalments.

The B180d is punchy enough and very economical. Like all the diesels, it’s a little gruff, but it’ll cost you a lot less to run than the equivalent petrol. We wouldn’t bother spending more on a fancier trim, as the basic Sport provides most of what you need, and nearly all that you want.

Our favourite Mercedes B-Class: B180d Sport

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has enjoyable handling, a high-quality interior and comes with some frugal diesel engines. It’s well made and drives rather better than the B-Class.

The Citroen C4 Picasso is no longer on sale new but makes a great used buy. It has a spacious and practical interior. It also has great visibility and is good value for money used. Its interior is stylish but no match in interior quality for the Mercedes or the BMW. Used versions of its replacement, the equally proficient C4 Spacetourer, are now filtering onto the second-hand forecourts.

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If you're interested in buying a used Mercedes B-Class, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.