A little giant of the urban roads
The Mercedes B-Class (W245) is a series of premium compact front-wheel drive cars produced since 2005. Cars of the class in question were produced only as five-door hatchbacks. Organically, representatives of the B-Class are associated with the A-Class cars, as they are built on the platform of the second generation A-Class, but they are more powerful, but more conservative.
The first generation
The first representative of the B-Class was produced from 2005 to 2011, and was restyled in 2008. The W245 was designed to win a premium niche in the high-demand compact car segment. The idea to create such a car arose against the background of conflicting sales results of the A-Class cars, as that undoubtedly successful model was not in demand among some categories of consumers who were looking for something less experimental, more solid and roomier. In fact, the designers were faced with the task of creating a more spacious A-Class, but they ended up with creating a new type of car.
The large wheelbase with a length of 2.77 meters provided enough space for five adult passengers. By the way, the car featured a sandwich floor, invented by Mercedes-Benz engineers. The W245 had plenty of safety systems, showing that the model was designed for those who valued safety and confidence above other things. A relatively spacious interior featured a flat floor, which provided enough space to the third rear-row passenger, which emphasized the family-oriented character of the car. Some of the trim elements that enhanced the car’s comfort were borrowed from the C-Class cars.
The vehicle could be equipped with several engines designed primarily for fuel efficiency, especially the diesel version. The top model was the B 200 Turbo, which produced almost 200 hp. The B-Class was equipped with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission or an AUTOTRONIC continuously variable transmission.
The first generation was restyled in 2008. The car was brought into compliance with Euro 5 environmental standards, had a more modern exterior design and acquired a new range of engines.
Built on the original A-Class platform, the B-Class turned out to be an independent, demanded and progressive type of a MPV or a multi-purpose vehicle, a minivan in an estate body.
The Mercedes B-Class did not win many awards, since it was created not as a sensational breakthrough, but rather as an everyday reliable discreet vehicle that steadfastly endured the hardships and deprivation of life in a modern metropolis. Nevertheless, in 2008, the Auto Bild declared that the Mercedes B-Class had the best design, and in 2009, according to the results of the Internet Auto Awards international research by AutoScout24, the representative of the second generation was the leader in quality in the segment of vans and compact minivans.
The second generation
The second generation Mercedes B-Class W246 was launched into mass production in 2011 and was produced until 2018, while its restyling took place in 2015. With this generation, Mercedes-Benz finally divided the B and A classes, by including the MPV category into the B-Class: more impressive parameters, a more spacious interior, no sandwich floor. The second generation B-Class featured new petrol and diesel engines, a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, a compressed natural gas engine and four-wheel drive.
The second generation was sportier, featuring a sports suspension, sports shock absorbers with amplitude-selective damping and a direct steering system.
In 2015, the second generation Mercedes B-Class MPV underwent restyling. In addition to exterior changes, the vehicle acquired LED optics, Keyless-Go, several new engines. The restyled second generation acquired three new 4Matic all-wheel drive modifications: B250, B200 CDI and B220 CDI.
The third generation
The Mercedes B-class W247 has been produced from 2018 to the present. The vehicle is slightly larger and more advanced than its predecessor. The third generation features a new line of engines compliant with the most modern Euro 6d environmental standards. There is also a plug-in hybrid option in the range. For the first time in its practice, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the third-generation B-Class with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 2-liter diesel engine. The third generation B-Class is equipped with the S-class safety systems and can therefore work partially autonomously.
The B-Class vehicles are in stable demand, continue to confidently conquer the roads of the planet, are valued for their reliability, spaciousness, responsiveness and are considered one of the best models for driving within the city.
Constant catching up
Despite the numerous advantages, technically ingenious design and versatility of the concept, the manufacturer failed to convince buyers of the value of the B-Class model. It is larger and more expensive than the A-Class, and, it would seem, should successfully occupy a certain niche between a standard hatchback and an MPV. However, buyers have started switching to seven-seater vehicles, whereas the B-Class is slightly out of step. As a result, this model is always somewhat behind. Considering the changes in the automotive market, the pricing of the B-Class cars was far from perfect, slowing the entire sales process down. Overall, the Mercedes B-class is a vehicle that has failed to gain popularity among buyers. Because it wasn’t nearly as fun as a family hatchback, and not nearly as practical as a seven-seat minivan. Although, of course, it had and still has its own army of fans.
