Mercedes B-Class Test 2019

The concept

"The new B-Clbad has to offer more sportiness by standing out aesthetically from the universe of minivans", we were told during the press conference organized during the launch of the car. Thus the Mercedes sports lines more racy than before. In addition, the newcomer sees his wheelbase grow, while its overhangs themselves, shrink.

What changes

Beyond the style, all this benefits the interior, which sees many of its dimensions increase. These include the roof guard at the front and back or the elbow and shoulder space in the front and back rows. Optionally (from mid-2019), the latter can also slide over a distance of 14 cm. But it will then be in two parts (40/60), while the bench of series remains, it, divisible in a report 40/20/40. When the optional seats are ordered, the trunk volume varies from 455 to 705 l. As minivan, the B-Clbad of course keeps its elevated sitting position: "Clbad B drivers have always liked that," explained Bartels. Thus, in the B, one sits 90 mm higher than in the new Clbad A. The objective? Reinforce the feeling of space, but also give the occupants the impression that they dominate the road. The latter is also observed via glazed surfaces larger than before. For the rest, Mercedes endows its compact minivan with the latest technologies such as the MBUX digital instrumentation combined with Energizing armchairs, which spare the back during long journeys.

The innovations of the new model do not stop there; under the hood, the B 200d (150 hp and 320 Nm) and 220d (190 hp and 400 Nm) release a new engine: the 2.0 OM 654q. Already mounted in the Mercedes whose block is implanted longitudinally, it has been adapted here to take place under the hood of the "transverse" variants. Certified Euro 6d, this Diesel wants to be very "clean"; Mercedes says it already meets emission standards that will not come into effect until 2020. This is to say the progress made by compression ignition engines. For the rest, there are two "gasoline" of 136 (B 180) and 163 hp (B 200) and another Diesel, the 1.5 of 116 hp. For the moment, Mercedes does not offer any manual gearbox (nevertheless, it specifies that it is the program), the configurator leaving the choice between two boxes with two clutches, the 7 (of origin Getrag) and 8 reports (badembled at Mercedes).

How does it roll?

On the test, it is equipped with the new Diesel that the B-Clbad has been the most pleasant. In dynamic driving, she revealed an ability to turn flat really bluffing, being a minivan means. Our test model was equipped with adaptive damping, which is also a guarantee of comfort on more bumpy roads.

Our verdict

By tapping into the Daimler Group's organ bank, the new Mercedes B-Clbad improves on many aspects: more dynamic, both aesthetically and technically, it is also "cleaner". But it is undoubtedly by its habitability, its comfort and its security that this compact premium finishes to convince. Too bad that some raw plastics scattered here and there in the cabin tarnish the picture.