Luxury cars, be it German, Japanese or Korean, suggest images of big, opulent machines. But more recently, big players have been looking at the opposite end of the spectrum. Well, small is the new big, or the new beautiful in this case, considering the newfound sales success to a premium brand has been based on many small cars.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one of those cars now and it's all new and brings about a fresh feel, albeit in an instantly recognisable shell. Showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the B's platform is shared with the new A-Class and, unlike any other Mercs, is a front wheel drive car.
But unlike its predecessor, where desirability was never its forte, the new B-Class promises more. And it deserves to be a hit, really, taking into account that it has seen so many new developments in one fell swoop.
Exterior
We're having some big problems now. While Mercedes-Benz calls this car a Compact Sports Tourer, we reckon it's an enlarged hatch. In terms of its dimensions, the car measures at 4359mm x 1786mm x 1558mm (L x W x H). While it's still a high-riding hatch, the current B-Class looks more the part of a hatch with its lowered stance, wider body and chiselled sheet metal.
The first thing that really grabs your attention isn't so much the size, but the design. There are some styling flourishes intended to create a feast for the eyes - the well-defined nose, menacing headlamps accompanied by a pair of LED running lights in the front bumper, low bonnet and the upswept flank crease that will catch the attention of the fussiest designer.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one of those cars now and it's all new and brings about a fresh feel, albeit in an instantly recognisable shell. Showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the B's platform is shared with the new A-Class and, unlike any other Mercs, is a front wheel drive car.
But unlike its predecessor, where desirability was never its forte, the new B-Class promises more. And it deserves to be a hit, really, taking into account that it has seen so many new developments in one fell swoop.
Exterior
We're having some big problems now. While Mercedes-Benz calls this car a Compact Sports Tourer, we reckon it's an enlarged hatch. In terms of its dimensions, the car measures at 4359mm x 1786mm x 1558mm (L x W x H). While it's still a high-riding hatch, the current B-Class looks more the part of a hatch with its lowered stance, wider body and chiselled sheet metal.
The first thing that really grabs your attention isn't so much the size, but the design. There are some styling flourishes intended to create a feast for the eyes - the well-defined nose, menacing headlamps accompanied by a pair of LED running lights in the front bumper, low bonnet and the upswept flank crease that will catch the attention of the fussiest designer.
Shape-wise, the B-Class is bigger and even more MPV-like than say a BMW 1er or the Audi A3 but it has a quality appearance. Quality appearance that will now attract the younger and trendy crowd. Quality appearance that will inevitably link this once unpopular Merc to the current family DNA - exemplified on the more significant C, E and M-Classes.
While the new hatch is longer and wider, the height has been reduced and is definitely a visual improvement over the less-than-loved predecessor.
While the new hatch is longer and wider, the height has been reduced and is definitely a visual improvement over the less-than-loved predecessor.
Interior
Inside, the spacious cabin has taken some serious leap in its perceived quality. Build quality cannot be faulted, with first-rate trim and fittings. The fact that soft touch plastics and leather dominate the fascia contributes to this aspect too.
Like its smaller and also arguably more handsome A-Class, the latest B-Class features chrome 'eye-ball' vents lifted from the SLS AMG while sporting predominant centre console infotainment screen (that looks like an iPad) and a central controller for major functions. It's a big step up and is now keeping in line with the disposition and package expected of a luxury German marque.
While the driving position is a little too upright for our liking, we couldn't complain about the generous space. There's ample room for heads and knees wherever you're sitting, and particularly praise-worthy for the second row. More notably is the usefully-sized boot that should haul the bags and sports equipment with no qualms.
Inside, the spacious cabin has taken some serious leap in its perceived quality. Build quality cannot be faulted, with first-rate trim and fittings. The fact that soft touch plastics and leather dominate the fascia contributes to this aspect too.
Like its smaller and also arguably more handsome A-Class, the latest B-Class features chrome 'eye-ball' vents lifted from the SLS AMG while sporting predominant centre console infotainment screen (that looks like an iPad) and a central controller for major functions. It's a big step up and is now keeping in line with the disposition and package expected of a luxury German marque.
While the driving position is a little too upright for our liking, we couldn't complain about the generous space. There's ample room for heads and knees wherever you're sitting, and particularly praise-worthy for the second row. More notably is the usefully-sized boot that should haul the bags and sports equipment with no qualms.
In short, the B-Class is a fine place to be in whether you're driver or passenger. Minor niggles like its upright sitting position or the lack of a centre gear lever can be easily forgiven, especially when its build quality and features are put into consideration, which by the way, makes the new B-Class feel like it's a cut above some of its peers.
The Drive
Under the bonnet of the new B-Class resides a 1.6-litre powerplant and, as with most new Mercs, has direct injection and turbo charging to boost its performance. The four pot petrol engine produces a max power of 156 horses and a peak torque of 250Nm and while these figures appear to be unimpressive, the car finishes the century sprint in a respectable 8.6 seconds - just a second shy of the BMW 118i.
The seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission can be a little clumsy off the line and even at lower speeds, but it gets smoother and well-behaved once up to speed. Plus, with the Sports mode a little too aggressive in holding gears, the B-Class excels better around town.
While the hatch is no race car, it welcomes twists and curves, hanging on faithfully while staying calm and composed. And despite its disposition as a big hatch, body roll is bare minimum around bends. Its chassis is surprisingly taut for and responsive and will surprise you with its well-controlled abilities should you decide to push on. That said, the steering feels a tad numb and unnatural, giving the driver insufficient feedback.
The ride is generally composed and it copes relatively well with city bumps but over badly broken road surfaces and cracks, the new B-Class does show its lack of suspension comfort.
Under the bonnet of the new B-Class resides a 1.6-litre powerplant and, as with most new Mercs, has direct injection and turbo charging to boost its performance. The four pot petrol engine produces a max power of 156 horses and a peak torque of 250Nm and while these figures appear to be unimpressive, the car finishes the century sprint in a respectable 8.6 seconds - just a second shy of the BMW 118i.
The seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission can be a little clumsy off the line and even at lower speeds, but it gets smoother and well-behaved once up to speed. Plus, with the Sports mode a little too aggressive in holding gears, the B-Class excels better around town.
While the hatch is no race car, it welcomes twists and curves, hanging on faithfully while staying calm and composed. And despite its disposition as a big hatch, body roll is bare minimum around bends. Its chassis is surprisingly taut for and responsive and will surprise you with its well-controlled abilities should you decide to push on. That said, the steering feels a tad numb and unnatural, giving the driver insufficient feedback.
The ride is generally composed and it copes relatively well with city bumps but over badly broken road surfaces and cracks, the new B-Class does show its lack of suspension comfort.
Like most of its brethrens in its lineup, the new hatch does an excellent job keeping the outside world from invading into its quiet cabin. Unlike its predecessor, the car has all grown up and is capable of giving occupants on board a comforting vibe that's consistent with its bigger and more luxurious Mercedes siblings.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a decent choice if you're looking for a car with loads of badge recognition, space and prestige. Plus it has a style that's swankier than most of its peers in its segment and there's now plenty of Mercedes-Benz flavour to its cabin.
It simply has all the bases covered. The only payoff is the high costs and what should be a more pliant ride.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a decent choice if you're looking for a car with loads of badge recognition, space and prestige. Plus it has a style that's swankier than most of its peers in its segment and there's now plenty of Mercedes-Benz flavour to its cabin.
It simply has all the bases covered. The only payoff is the high costs and what should be a more pliant ride.
