Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV B180 BlueEfficiency SE 5dr Review

For The engine is smooth and flexible, and keeps purchase prices and running costs reasonable. SE trim provides a good balance of kit and value.

Against Some might want more performance from their B-Class. The entry-level diesel gives far better economy, and doesn’t cost much more to buy.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The best of the petrol-powered B-Class models, it provides a good mix of flexible performance, decent kit and affordable costs.

What Car? readers say

No reader reviews found

Key facts

0–60mph: 10.4 secs
Top speed: 118 mph
Average mpg: 47.9
Tank range: miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV range

The full Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Flexible rather than fast
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Neither comfortable enough, nor fun enough
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Smooth engines, but noise elsewhere
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Pricey, and residuals aren’t that strong
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Looks and feels good for the class
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Some clever stuff as standard
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Ergonomics and visibility could be better
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Roomy for a hatchback, but it’s no MPV
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
SE trim provides all you need

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Mercedes-Benz B-Class buyers have four engines to choose from; two turbocharged 1.6-litre petrols and two 1.8-litre turbodiesels.

Whether you go for petrol or diesel, we’d recommend the entry-level engine. They’re slower than their brawnier counterparts, but they’re fast enough, no less flexible and much cheaper to buy and run. The entry-level diesel has a distinct edge over the more powerful diesel for refinement, too. In fact, the lower-powered diesel is our favourite engine of the bunch.

SE trim is the one to pick out of the two available. It provides alloys, air-con, four electric windows, a CD player with USB port and a system that helps steer your car into a parking space.

Sport models add kit such as man-made leather upholstery, xenon headlamps and a reversing camera. However, Sport trim costs a lot more than SE and the ride is even more unforgiving than the standard car’s.