Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2005 Review

Basically it's a case of name your wagon when it comes to the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The people from the three-pointed star badge call it a Sports tourer.

Different planet all right.

Where do you begin to describe the B-Class and just what the devil is it and what are its competitors?

It is crystal clear that Mercedes-Benz identified some time ago that people were prepared to part company with a little extra for a little extra, no matter what the vehicle segment. And they then began to build cars, regardless of segment, that are in a premium position.

"The B-Class, given the platform which exists with A-Class and the desire for a car which is a bit bigger (than A-Class) is a niche we're willing to fill," said Mercedes-Benz senior manager of corporate communications, Toni Andreevski.

A perusal of the B-Class gives you the distinct impression, initially at least, that it is really a hatchback, albeit with Benz quality, charm and functionality.

This long hatch comes initially with the choice of a standard B200 and B200 turbo.

A 180 or 200 CDi diesel will follow in the second quarter of next year which is expected to trigger a lot of sales activity.

At the recent launch the B200 with the creamy CVT transmission offered the cosy ride qualities carried over from the new and impressive A-Class.

It handles adeptly which is helped by the fact that the engine and transmission are placed lower down, the sandwich concept taken from the A-Class helping not only in safety but in driving dynamics.

The B200 delivers 100kW of power and 185Nm, nothing huge to write home about, but it is quite refined even when the stress levels rise and maximum revs are required for more urge.

It is quite a predictable mover with crisp steering via the electro-mechanical set-up where power regulated assistance is matched to road speed.

The transmission is clever and smooth with the Autotronic principle operating the continuously variable transmission (CVT) concept.

There are two settings to the shift characteristics: C for comfort keeping the engine accelerating gently at low speeds, while S for sport mode lifts the revs for more aggressive changes.

The transmissions also adopt the sideways manual shift whereby the driver can nudge the lever either away or towards them to change up or down.

In turbo-spec the B-Class obviously gains a fair modicum of torque — 280Nm available from as low as 1800rpm through to 4850rpm.

There is 142kw of power, almost 50 per cent more than the standard.

On greasy surfaces and even on a dry surface on a cool day, the turbo seemed to scrabble for front-end grip and when all's said and done, the standard was probably the pick of the pair.

It was lively enough when the driver need to call on more reserves and it seemed to have more useable power.

Quality and functionality are top of the tree and the ride quality shines. There is plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom, and build quality is well matched to the badge.

With the optional Easy Vario system — whereby the front passenger seat can be removed along with the three rear seat backrests and the standard height-adjustable rear luggage floor — the B-Class is a triumph in form and function.

While it remains a perplexing new badge on the showroom floor, the B-Class is yet another way into the Benz moniker.

The good thing is that as with most pioneering projects from the Stuttgart star, the B-Class is no dud. You might still ask why they've created such a niche but the bottom line is: why not?