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B-Class Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Hatchback B180 CDI 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.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This is the best B-Class in the range. It provides modest yet flexible performance, it’s affordable to buy and it’s cheap to run.

What Car? readers say

4

Key facts

0–60mph: 10.9 secs
Top speed: 118 mph
Average mpg: 64.2
Tank range: miles

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Features

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Size

View the whole Mercedes-Benz B-Class Hatchback range

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The full Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Flexible rather than fast
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Neither comfortable enough nor fun enough
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Smooth engines but noise elsewhere
Buying & Owning
2 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
4 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
Very 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:

B-Class buyers have five engines to choose from, two turbocharged 1.6-litre petrols, two 1.8-litre turbodiesels and a 2.1 diesel.

Whether you go petrol or diesel, we’d recommend going with the entry-level engine. Granted, 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.

We think SE trim is the best of the two available. It provides alloys wheels, air-conditioning, four electric windows, a CD player with USB port and a system that helps steer your car into a parking space.

Sport models add some desirable kit, like man-made leather upholstery, xenon headlamps and a reversing camera, but it costs a lot more and, with a lowered suspension and bigger wheels, the ride is even more unforgiving.