MIAMI BEACH, Fla - After more than a year's hiatus, the
Mercedes-Benz B-Class returns with more power, better handling and improved fuel economy. But is it deserving of the 3-pointed star?
Those who put great stock in their status symbols value exclusivity above all else. The CEO who shells out one hundred-thousand large on an S-Class isn't looking for kinship with the underling who manages to swing the payments on a B 250. That's the risk that premium brands take with entry-level models -- the more attainable vehicle that attracts new buyers can also dilute the exclusivity that's made the brand so desirable.
B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way
First introduced in Europe in 2005, the B-Class arrived here in Canada later that fall. U.S. distributors took a pass on the tiny Benz, but the company took a chance that it would find favour with Canadian buyers -- a gamble that paid off as it has since become one of their best selling models in Canada.
Criticized in the past of being not quite worthy of the coveted badge, the B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way. In fact, according to Dr. Thomas Weber, of Daimler's development management board, no model change in the company's history has ever seen "so many developments introduced in one fell swoop".
The B-Class boasts over $7,000 in added value, yet the $29,900 MSRP remains the same.
More sports tourer than minivan
Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces which, with its tall outline and arched roof, resembled a small minivan more than the hatch it was meant to be.
The outgoing model was notable for its "sandwich floor" an interesting piece of safety technology that nonetheless compromised its handling, leaving it tall and top-heavy. A more conventional unibody construction on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 results in a lower roofline and much improved stability thanks to a 46mm lower ride height. Seating has also been lowered by 86mm, leaving the occupants feeling less perched.
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| Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
Single, more powerful drivetrain
Instead of choosing between naturally aspirated and turbo-charged engines -- and a continuously variable transmission vs. manual -- the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 now sports a single drivetrain: a turbo-charged 2.0L 4-cylinder that puts out 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With no torque convertor and the ability to pre-select gears, the DCT offers better efficiency with no interruption in power.
Not only does this combination offer far more power than either of the outgoing powertrains, but there's an 18% improvement in fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250.
The NRCan ratings for the new B-Class are 5.5L/100 km highway, 7.9 city and 6.8 combined -- which puts it ahead of some of the most economical cars on the market:
Mazda3 (7.5L) Nissan Versa (7.5L),
Toyota Matrix (7.4L); and equal to the
Ford Focus (6.8L) with only 160 hp.
Cabin receives material and technology makeover
Inside, the cabin of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 receives a premium makeover: instead of cloth upholstery, there's standard Artico leather and soft-touch materials. There's a solid, leather-wrapped wheel with paddle shifters and a 5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. Steel sill plates and pedals add a nice, premium touch. The shift lever has been moved to the steering column to free up console space.
While the base models make do with manual seat adjustment, moving up to the Exclusive trim package adds Mercedes' signature door-located power seat controls. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo space increases from 486 litres to 1,545 litres -- 15 litres over the outgoing model.
However, the big news is on the safety front: Mercedes-Benz has chosen the B-Class to launch the Collision Prevention Assist package; a suite of safety technology that was previously available only as a pricey option on premium models. Sensors determine the distance between the B-Class and other cars then trigger visual and audible warnings to the driver when too close; Adaptive Brake Assist measures the amount of braking force applied by the driver, and increases it if needed; Attention Assist measures deviations in steering inputs and cheekily presents you with a cup of coffee on the info display to suggest a rest break is in order.
To further accentuate the more elevated image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250, it's now available with all the cosseting features previously limited to Mercedes' plush sedans: Distronic Plus, adaptive high beam assist, speed limit assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist -- which was an absolute godsend when navigating the oblivious, weaving Miami traffic.
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| 5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
No sports car, but manoeuverable and cheerful
There are three drive modes in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250: Economy, Sport and Manual. Selecting "Sport" tightens up the throttle and shift response, which is fine on the highway, but feels twitchy and abrupt in traffic. There's no way the B-Class is ever going to be considered a sports car, and the demographic that will embrace this interesting little hatch will probably never use this mode anyway. The steering is a bit numb, but the handling improvements are evident. Independent rear suspension replaces the old torsion beam setup resulting in better cornering stability. Overall, it's a comfortable, manoeuverable and cheerful car to zip through even congested traffic.
More power, a phalanx of safety systems, and terrific fuel economy in a much swankier package make the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 a very compelling little tourer.
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