Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247

As SUVs get more and more popular in the Gen Z era, the MPVs are starting to lose its touch even though it offers the same practicality as the now ubiquitous automotive trend. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one of the MPVs that trying to keep up against the new motoring reality by offering practicality, performance, and technology fit for today's European families.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Starting at 28,143.50 Euros plus tax and delivery, the third-generation B-Class is almost as reasonably priced as today's MPVs and although more expensive than its main rival, the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, the new B-Class is the better looking of the two because its a Mercedes-Benz and posh moms are more than welcome to drive the new B-Class more than the aging 2-Series Active Tourer.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class interior

Because it runs on the same stuff that you get from today's A-Class, the third-generation B-Class looks better compared to its predecessor and it's surprisingly longer as well. With such good looks, the new B-Class is starting to get shape for an MPV of this size and same goes for the interior, which accommodates five people and has loads of nifty features, including the new MBUX multimedia system that delivers user-friendly features that will make them getting to know this MPV better. Because it's now roomier compared to the previous model, you'll have plenty of reasons to get used to its decent luggage space as well as the rear legroom, which is about as good as a midsize vehicle you used to own. This then has the makings of a city car and while it works like a city car, it goes like one.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The third-generation B-Class is offered with a choice of a 1.3L and 2.0L petrol engine, both mated to a 7G-DCT, and a choice of a 1.5L and 2.0L diesel engine, both mated to a brand new 8-speed DCT, and although their new diesel lineup is compliant with the new Euro 6d regulations in effect for 2020, diesel skeptics in Europe might have to double think about buying those variants so in the meantime, as Europeans, best to shoo away from the diesels for now and make do with the petrol ones until Mercedes plans to release a hybrid version of the B-Class anytime soon. Still, those new diesel engines are worth the shot if you got the urge to find out just how clean these so-called clean diesel engines will be.

Drive wise, the new B-Class drives better than the previous model thanks to its improved suspension setup, chassis revisions, and the DYNAMIC SELECT feature which allows drivers to change which sort of driving feel will be, be it comfortable or sporty, depending on the roads this MPV goes. As for safety, the new B-Class borrows some of the Intelligent Drive functions from the S-Class, capable of becoming one of the safest MPVs to drive, only if you're prepared to gulp yourself to its semi-autonomous driving witchcraft Mercedes injected into it. Like it or not, these added levels of safety is worth noticing.

So, would you rather drive the new B-Class than the nearly outdated BMW 2-Series Active Tourer? Judging by the looks, features, tech, and performance, it's worth noticing that despite the pricing, the new B-Class is worth driving compared to its BMW rival and that is the bottom line.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class interior

When the first Mercedes-Benz B-Class debuted in 2005, it's hard to classify if this is a compact or an MPV but whatever the heck is, it's classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle, accommodating only five passengers and with a bigger boot for your necessities. When it came in the Philippines a few years ago, we don't really care about it at all. It's just another pointless experiment not only because of the pricing but it is because we just don't want to...

As it reaches the second-generation, under the W246 designation, the new (in German: der neu) B-Class (B-Klasse) made a bit more redundant not only because of the decreased height, but only because of the Viano-like exterior that makes customers saying that this new B-Class looks somewhat familiar.

In the interior of the W246 B-Class, there's not a bit of surprise even though it was lifted from the SLS AMG sportscar to deliver some inspiration to call it a gentleman's club but the B-Class is not fit to be a gentleman's club. This was somewhat a soccer mom's club. To provide room for luggage, the rear seats can be folded and level them in different heights. The optional Easy-Vario-Plus allows both the front and rear seats to be folded forward to add load capacity. However, the COMAND Online navigation system's a bit small and it needs a sharp-eyed soccer mom to handle the navigation system.

For the petrol type, it is offered with the M270 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection engine that were tuned differently between 122 to 156PS of power. For the diesel type, the new B-Class is offered with a OM 651 2.0L Common Rail Diesel Injection engine that were tuned differently between 109 to 136PS of power. Most variants come with the 6-speed manual transmission or with the all new 7G-DCT developed specifically for the new B-Class. This new 7G-DCT provides smooth gear changes and 9% more efficient than conventional Double Clutch Transmissions. This is the first to offer a 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST would be the safest feature to be offered on the new B-Class. It outputs a visual and acoustic warning to alert distracted drivers to identified obstacles, and initiates Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. For the first time, the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system is available on the new B-Class and this system is by any means of reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof. Seems that this new B-Class is now focused to be the safest.

Available in 10 colors: Nachtschwarz, Jupiterrot, Zirrusweiß, Canyonbeige metallic, Kosmosschwarz metallic, Lotosblau metallic, Monolithgrau metallic, Mountaingrau metallic, Polarsilber metallic, and Universumblau metallic.

My comment:
This new B-Class W246 seems to be a miniaturized Viano by the looks of it but this is somewhat rather a rare opportunity to recover the pace where the first model fail to impress. The new 7G-DCT and the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST were just one of the reasons why this new B-Class should be trusted. It seems that this new model came to the right direction, well almost in the right direction. So, will it come to the Philippines? There will be a 20% probability...



Photo: Daimler A.G.