Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2015 car review

Impressive array of standard features

In standard form, the B 180 benefits from keys features including alloy wheels, Blind Spot Assist, Garmin Map Pilot navigation, reversing camera, and much more. With safety always at the forefront of everyone’s mind, this car is no exception. B-Class has Adaptive Brake system, 9 airbags, Attention and Brake Assist systems and run flat tyres, so no distress calls needed from the roadside. Every model rides exceptionally with comfort tuned suspension, with the top-spec sporting the active damping system.

For those who enjoy technology and bling

Mercedes Benz has kitted out this little hatch with tinted glass all round, adorned it with LED daytime running lights (DRL), and shrouded the interior with ambient lighting in the door recesses, pulls and trims. Infotainment is taken care of via Audio 20 with an 8” colour display, utilizing Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and phone keypad. From the end of 2015, we will see the exciting new inclusion of smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. This will change the way smartphone users can play music and various other apps through integration with the vehicle’s infotainment system.

The car drives like it looks - great! If you want to get-up-and-go however, you will have to persuade the throttle pedal to move a little more than one would expect. When quick acceleration is required, it is better to use the steering wheel paddles to get the most out of the 7-speed DCT transmission.

If you want something a little more

The B 200 as tested had interior and exterior upgrades over the already outstanding B 180, with the exclusive Night and Seat Comfort packages added as optional extras. Standard features and slight upgrades are also found in the B 200d, with the B 250 4Matic heading the line-up full of AMG styling.

As you would expect, Mercedes are offering a comprehensive range of options for you to choose your own level of something fancy, and giving the car a refined, sporty look with more interior luxury, to help you forget that you’re in a little hatchback when on the school drop-off run.

Four models include:

• B 180 1.6L 90kW Turbo, 5.5L/100km from $53,500
• B 200 1.6L 115kW Turbo, 5.5L/100km from $64,200
• B200 d 2.1L 100kW Turbo, 4.2L/100km from $64,200
• B 250 4Matic 2.0L 155kW Turbo, 6.8L/100km from $72,800