As the first member of a completely new generation of compact-class cars, the B-Class paved the way to great success in this vehicle segment for Mercedes-Benz. The Sports Tourer is the ideal (family) car for anyone who, while attaching importance to practicality, comfort and safety, doesn't want to miss out on sportiness or driving dynamics. Five economical diesel models, six efficient petrol models, two alternative drive systems (B 200 c and B 250 e) and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive make for a unique range of choice in this segment (fuel consumption combined: 6.8-3.6 l/100 km or 17.9-16.6 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 158-0 g/km).

The B-Class Sports Tourer combines compact exterior dimensions with a large interior. With front headroom of up to 1047 mm (without sliding sunroof), the hatchback is one of the most spacious models in its segment. The same applies to the generous rear kneeroom (89 mm).

There is also plenty of space for luggage: the standard model has a boot capacity of 488-1547 litres. The actually usable capacity is even more important than this abstract figure determined by cargo capacity measurement. Here the B-Class scores highly with a boot width of 1050 mm between the wheel arches. Furthermore, the B-Class also comes with the option of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system, in which case the interior can be flexibly re-arranged in just a few simple moves. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres.

Further highlights included rear seats with integral child seats (optional extra). The two child seats integrated into the outer seats provide protection for children aged from around 3 to 12 years and feature a removable, adjustable side head restraint.

The B-Class was the world's first model in the compact-car segment to feature the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system (now called Active Brake Assist), which can reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. The B-Class also includes a range of systems that feature in larger model series, such as Adaptive Headlamp Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST.

The model series in profile:

• Range: 16 model variants
• Lines: Style, Urban, AMG Line
• Special models: WhiteArt Edition¹, EDITION B
• Price: from €26,638.15² (B 160)
• Length/width/height: 4393/1786/1557 mm
• Wheelbase: 2699 mm
• Boot capacity: 488-1547 l (according to VDA)
• Model history: Market launch 11/2011, facelift: 11/2014
• Production: Rastatt/Germany, Kecskemét/Hungary (since 2012)

The sportiest engine in the B-Class belongs to the B 250. Its 1991 cc unit has an output of 155 kW (211 hp) and a peak torque of 350 Nm between 1200 and 4000 rpm. The B 250 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The flagship diesel model, the B 220 d, has the same peak torque. With a displacement of 2.2 litres, it has an output of 130 kW (177 hp) and a fuel consumption (combined) of just 4.1 l/100 km or 107 g CO₂/km. The B 220 d comes with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission fitted as standard.

On the road, the B 250 e is quiet and has zero local emissions thanks to an electric motor (max. output 132 kW). The maximum torque of 340 Nm is available from the start, which means that this model takes just 7.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. With a range of around 200 km (NEDC), the B 250 e is not only ideal for urban travel and short distances but for longer journeys, too.

The data of the test cars at a glance:

*max. output: 132 kW, drive system continuous output: 65 kW

¹ In Germany: PEAK Edition

² MSRP for Germany including 19% VAT