Mercedes-Benz B 200 road test
by Stephen Walker
16th July, 2012
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When the all-new A-Class arrives early next year it will become the entry
level model to the Mercedes-Benz expansive range of models in Australia. In the meantime, the newly released new
generation B-Class is the model that competently undertakes the task.
Next Car has had a run in the new Mercedes-Benz B-class during a week long motoring experience when we covered
247 kilometres in a solely urban environment.
Test Car
The test car was the Mercedes-Benz B200 BlueEFFICIENCY finished in Lotus Blue metallic (at extra cost, a high $1,190
in fact) with Sahara Beige upholstery.
Other options fitted to the test car included two 'packages'. Firstly, the “Vision” package which is priced at $2,490.
It includes a panoramic electric sunroof with electric sunblind, black roof lining, LED daytime running lights and
bi-xenon headlights. Secondly, the “COMAND” package came with the test car. It is priced at $2,990 and includes a 17.8 cm
colour screen which is the main control for the satellite navigation, media system, Bluetooth and internet connectivity.
The media system includes a 10GB hard drive to store music as well as a conventional CD player and AM/FM radio. The
“COMAND” system offers superior sound to the standard system and includes a Harmon Kardon surround sound system with 12
speakers and Dolby Digital 5.1. Importantly, a reversing camera is also included with this package. Both these packages
are available across the entire B-Class range.
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Equipped with a 1,595 cc petrol-fuelled 4-cylinder engine matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission, the test car
was one of three variations of the B-Class currently on offer.
The base price* for the B 200 Blue EFFICIENCY is $43,950*.
The 'as tested' price of the test car was $50,620* with the inclusion of the three options indicated.
Model background
The new B-Class is the second evolution of this model. Code named the W246, this model debuted in Germany at the 2011
Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its release in Australia in April 2012. The W246 B-Class is a massive step forward from the
original B-Class in all areas: appearance, interior design, equipment levels, efficiency, performance and safety.
Driving and living with the B200 BlueEFFICIENCY
Our 247 kilometres of purely urban driving averaged 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres, which we found quite pleasing given
that the 'combined cycle' fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 litres/100 kms.
The B-Class is an excellent size, in my opinion, with entry and egress being quite easy with this model having a
slightly raised seating height. There is a decent amount of space for occupants yet the B-Class isn't too big. It's agile
and easy to park (especially when fitted with the reversing camera). Performance isn't a key factor, yet it performs well
in its environment ... suburbia. It's comfortable and appealing.
The interior trim in the B200 is a man-made fake “leather” upholstery offering a similar look and feel to real
leather.
Specifications
The B200 BlueEFFICIENCY test vehicle was powered by a 1,595 cc, direct injection, turbocharged, in-line, 4-cylinder
petrol engine. The engine produces 115 kW of power at 5,300 rpm. Peak torque of 250 Nm is achieved in the range of 1,250
to 4,000 rpm.
All three Australian B-Class models are front wheel drive and fitted with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
No manual transmission is available.
Safety
The new B-Class has scored the maximum possible five star rating from ANCAP after the vehicle was crash tested by
Euro-NCAP. The detailed score given was an impressive 36.78 points out of 37 available. Quite rightly, Mercedes-Benz is
very proud of how safe this new B-Class presents.
Nine airbags are fitted standard including front, pelvis side and window bags for the driver and front passenger.
There is also a knee bag for the driver and rear passengers are protected by side airbags.
Also standard, is “Attention Assist” which detects drowsiness in the driver by analysing steering behaviour. This is
targeted towards fatigue that may set in on long journeys and warns the driver to take a break.
Mercedes-Benz have also equipped the B-Class with “Pre-Safe”. This system will activate if a dangerous driving
situation is detected, closing windows and the sunroof, reverse tensioning seat belts and thus allowing airbags and seat
belts to protect the occupants as best possible should an accident occur.
Adaptive Braking, Brake Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, ESP are all part of the B-Class safety package. The
B-Class is also fitted with anti-lock brakes, run flat tyres and an electronic tyre pressure warning system.
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the B-Class comes standard with a first aid kit and warning triangle.
To assist with parking, the B-Class gets parking sensors. The test car was fitted with a reversing camera as part of
the COMAND option package. This can also be purchased separately, priced from $590.
Performance
The B200 test car accelerates to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.4 seconds which is very reasonable for a car in this segment.
It is electronically limited to a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
Fuel and emissions
Mercedes-Benz rate the B200 petrol at a very reasonable 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on a combined cycle.
All B-Class models now feature stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions whilst the vehicle is
stationary. The 'downsizing' of the engine is all part of the European concept of reducing fuel consumption. So a smaller
engine than what would have been the normal in the past powers the car with turbocharging being part of the deal to
ensure an acceptable degree of performance is maintained.
The fuel tank has a 50 litre capacity and 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (or higher) is required.
Emissions from the small petrol engine are 141 grammes of CO2 per kilometre and meet the Euro 5 emissions standards.
Options
Mercedes-Benz has a history of offering a wide range of options and the new B-Class is no exception. The main options
are packaged as the Vision Package, the COMAND package, the Exclusive Package, the Driving Assistance Package, the Night
Package and the Sport Package. Option packages not only improve the ownership experience but may also play an important
role in maintaining residual values and increase the desirability of the car on the second-hand market. When considering
your needs and budget, it’s worthwhile looking at the impact the options have on used car prices.
The “Vision” package and the “COMAND” package were both fitted to the test car (as described above).
Although not fitted to the test car, the B200 can be fitted with the “Exclusive” Package for additional comfort and
convenience. The package includes heated, electric front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, mats, and full
leather upholstery. The leather is available in black, grey and brown. The pack also includes keyless entry via infra
red. The “Exclusive” package is priced from $2,490* and is only available on B200 vehicles – not the B180.
The “Driving Assistance” package is safety based and includes the Mercedes-Benz Distronic Plus system which is an
advanced cruise control which maintains safe distance to the vehicle immediately in front. It also includes a blind spot
assistance system and lane assist.
Both the “Sport” and “Night” packages are centred around appearance and road handling, offering larger alloy wheels,
lowered suspension and other cosmetic features.
If you have seen any B-Class advertising material lately, the chances are the vehicle you’ve seen is equipped with
the sporty looking “Night” package. The Mercedes-Benz marketing team have done an excellent job making this new car look
great in the advertisements – probably better than it looks in the light of day. But it is still a good looking vehicle –
particularly with the Night package. We expect this will be a popular choice and is priced from $2,490*. The test vehicle
was not fitted with this option pack.
Equipment
Coming as standard with the B200 is 4-way electropneumatic lumbar support; automatically dimming rear-view mirror;
leather covered steering wheel; chrome highlights on both the interior and exterior; 17" alloy wheels; tinted glass;
retractable load compartment cover; cruise control; manually adjustable steering column (for both reach and height); and
electrically operated parking brake amongst a whole host of equipment.
Variants and Prices*
The B-Class is currently available in three variants in the Australian market.
The entry level variant is the B180 BlueEFFICIENCY priced from $38,950*.
The B180 has the same 1.6 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder petrol engine as the B200. However, it is only tuned to
produce 90 kW of power and offers a maximum torque of 200 Nm. The B180 also gets smaller, 16 inch alloy wheels, cloth
trim and does not have electric folding mirrors.
The test car was the higher spec, more powerful B200 BlueEFFICIENCY, priced at $43,950*. Options fitted to the test
car pushed the price to $50,620*.
The third variant is the B200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, priced at $43,950*. The CDI is powered by a 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder,
direct injection, turbocharged diesel engine producing 100 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque.
Dimensions
Length: 4,359 mm
Width: 2,010 mm (including side mirrors)
Height: 1,557 mm
Wheelbase: 2,699 mm
Weight: 1,425 kg
Boot capacity: 486 litres
After Sales
The warranty and roadside assistance package operate, with conditions, for the first three years of registration with
no limit on kilometres travelled.
Service intervals are 25,000 km or 1 year. You need not remember this as the B-Class is fitted with a maintenance
interval indicator on the dash.
Conclusion
Although it's called a "Tourer" by the folks at Mercedes-Benz, we found the B200 BlueEFFICIENCY a very neat package
for suburbia. It's a good all-rounder providing comfort and roominess with an appealing seat height that avoids the
neccessity of moving into an SUV. The solid feeling that came with the B200 was appreciated and with all aspects
considered, we feel those wanting a petrol-fuelled, compact (but not small) car in the mid-40s to early-50s may find the
B200 more appealing than early perceptions may otherwise suggest.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Any Luxury Car Tax (LCT) component is
effected when options are added to the car. Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to
change without notice, as are the specifications.
More Mercedes-Benz News .....
here.
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