Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- Brand: Mercedes Benz
- Body Type: Hatchback
The third generation W247 Mercedes-Benz B-Class was officially introduced locally in 2019. Based on the Mercedes-Benz’s MFA Modular Front Architecture platform that also underpins the front-wheel-drive A-Class, CLA, and the GLA, the 5-door German MPV is officially classified as a D-segment vehicle despite sharing a largely similar footprint with the smaller A-Class hatchback.
The car is made available in the sole B 200 Progressive Line variant here in Malaysia, powered by the same 1.3 litre 4-cylinder engine applied to the Mercedes-Benz A200 hatchback. Imported directly from Germany, it is priced from RM 239,888. It competes against rivals in the likes of the Ford S-Max, Honda Odyssey, and the Mazda CX-8.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Design
The third generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class has evolved rather significantly. Gone is the dowdy looking MPV of old, replaced by a sharper and more modern looking exterior. Up front, you get a sleeker looking LED headlight with integrated DRL, housed in a more aggressively styled front bumper design, accented with chrome inserts. The front radiator grille with silver-painted twin-louver is reminiscent of an old-school bi-wing airplane, punctuated by the massive Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star.
Like its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is based on the platform of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class but offers more room in the cabin. The lower ride height and a shorter front overhang gives the car a more touted stance, and despite gaining a few millimetres in the overall height, it is barely noticeable thanks to the generously raked A-pillars and the slopping roofline.
The Proggressive line also brings along a chromed front apron, side sill panels, 18-inch five-twin spoke alloy wheels, blacked out lower rear bumper with chrome accents, and a pair of unapologetically fake trapezoidal exhaust exits. And like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the MPV features a hatchback style opening at the rear with an integrated roof spoiler.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Dimension
Apart from its height, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is identical in every measurable dimension compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback. It is taller by 122 mm and weighs in at 1,410 kg.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior
Like its exterior, the interior design has improved significantly, not entirely surprising seeing that almost the entire cabin has been lifted wholesale out from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which we all have come to know and love.
As standard on the Proggresive line, you get the dual 10.25-inch freestanding display with the full Mercedes-Benz User Experience MBUX, 3-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the aviation inspired turbine-style air vents. The cabin is dressed in black Artico leather upholstery, black open-pore Linder wood trim, gloss-black inserts, and accented by satin chrome finishes.
Driver now sits lower compared to the predecessor, and all-round visibility is excellent thanks to the vast windshield and taller windows. The boot measures in at 455 litres, expandible to 1,540 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded. Convenient MPV features like powered sliding rear doors and sliding/reclining rear seats are not available here.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Features
As standard, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes equipped with power adjustable comfort front seats with memory function, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, 64-colour interior ambient lighting with 10 colour theme, 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Mercedes-Benz User Experience MBUX infotainment system, and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function.
Creature comfort like keyless entry and powered tailgate with handsfree operation are also available as standard, Unfortunately, it only comes with a single-zone automatic climate control with no rear air vents. In terms of driver assistance tech, the MPV comes equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic.
