Mercedes B-class (W245)

Debut: 2005
Maker: Mercedes-Benz
Predecessor: no
Although Mercedes prefers to call it “Compact Sports Tourer”, the B-class is actually an enlarged version of A-class, targeting at the MAV (Multi-Activity Vehicle) market. It will be therefore seen as a premium alternative to Renault Scenic, Ford C-Max, VW Touran etc.

The A-class platform has all the necessary ingredients to form the basis of a MAV. First of all, it is the only front-drive, transverse-engined platform in Mercedes' lineup. Secondly, its sandwich chassis structure allows even higher space efficiency than other MAVs, because the cabin can be stretched forward without being blocked by the engine. Thirdly, the elevated floor and sitting position meets exactly the requirements of MAVs. Lastly, as the sandwich structure has the engine mounted lowly and the fuel tank and battery under the floor, its center of gravity is lower than regular MAVs. This means Mercedes can tune the suspensions softer yet provides higher resistance of body roll.

Basically, the B-class is a stretched version of A-class, despite of a different series name. While the increase of body width is just 13 mm, the wheelbase is stretched by 210 mm and the overall length grows 430 mm. This stretched the cabin length to an astonishing 2989 mm or 70% of the body length. No one else can match this space efficiency.

The advantage continues here: rear legroom now grows by 370 mm (it's limousine class !); luggage space increases to 544 litres from 435 litres; with the rear seat folded and the front seat removed, it can load 2245 litres, up from 1995 litres. Brilliantly, all these increments bring only an additional 75 kg to the kerb weight, so the B-class can employ the same engines as A-class without much deficit in performance.

Compare to other MAVs, the cabin of B-class is relatively less flexible. Its rear seat can fold flat but not slide. Admittedly, with 544 litres of luggage space right from the beginning, sliding becomes less crucial. Another thing it lacks is a third row of seat for carrying children. Mercedes simply has no interest to sell a people carrier.

The B-class is produced alongside A-class at the Rastatt plant. It shares all the engines bar the smallest diesel with its sister. That means it consist of B150 (95hp), B170 (115hp), B200 (136hp), B200 Turbo (193hp), B160CDI (109hp) and B200CDI (140hp). It also shares the same transmissions – Autotronic CVT, 5-speed manual and 6-speed manual.

On the road, the B-class feels more lively than other MAVs. Take the top model B200 Turbo for example, it has 193 horsepower and a strong 207 lbft of torque to pull just 1370 kg. Not even the previous Opel Zafira OPC can match its sparkling performance – it can sprint from rest to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed at 140 mph. This is simply a GTI ! The rich torque curve gives B200 Turbo incomparable flexibility too. It delivers all that 207 lbft from as little as 1800 rpm all the way to 4850 rpm ! You don't need to rev the engine hard to deliver performance (by the way, the engine is a bit noisy and unrefined at high rev due to the lack of balancer shafts). Leave it at high gear and the torque will do the work for you.

Thanks to the superior chassis, B-class handles and rides remarkably well by MAV standard. It feels more agile than most MAVs. Only Ford C-Max can have a fight, but then again the Mercedes rides more supple. If you like the ride of A-class, you will love B-class even more, because its longer wheelbase improves ride quality further. Both cars have the same electric power steering which provides decent feel. Both cars can opt for mechanical adaptive dampers to enhance body control.

Predictably, the B-class is more expensive than other mainstream MAVs. What you get in return is a better handling and ride combination, better performance, a roomy cabin for 5 people and the overall premium quality feel. Look at the high quality dashboard and console (same as A-class) and you will understand.
The above report was last updated on 8 May 2005. All Rights Reserved.
 





Specifications




General remarks

B200
B200 Turbo

Layout
Front-engined, FWD
Front-engined, FWD

Chassis
Steel monocoque
Steel monocoque
Body
Mainly steel
Mainly steel
Length / width / height 4270 / 1777 / 1604 mm 4270 / 1777 / 1604 mm
Wheelbase 2778 mm 2778 mm
Engine
Inline-4
Inline-4
Capacity
2034 cc
2034 cc
Valve gears
SOHC 8 valves
SOHC 8 valves
Induction
VIM
Turbo
Other engine features
-
-

Max power
136 hp 193 hp
Max torque
136 lbft 207 lbft

Transmission
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
Suspension layout
F: strut
R: torsion-beam
F: strut
R: torsion-beam

Suspension features
Mechanical adaptive damping
Mechanical adaptive damping
Tyres front/rear
205/55R16
205/55R16

Kerb weight
1345 kg
1370 kg

Top speed
122 mph (c)
140 mph (c)

0-60 mph (sec)
9.5 (c)
7.3 (c)

0-100 mph (sec)
-
-

Performance tested by: -






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