Mercedes' B-Class is one of those vehicles that is really, really good at what it does, even if its mission isn't the most exciting one in the industry. Of all the compact luxury models, the B would have to be relegated as merely cute as a bug, rather than drop-dead sexy like BMW's 1-Series coupe and cabriolet, Audi's ultra-hot A3 or even Volvo's slick little C30. Just the same, only the A3 comes close to the B as far as practicality goes, and in this segment, where fuel economy and people hauling rule, it's king of the road.
More of a mini-minivan, or MPV as they're referred to in Europe, the B-Class is abbreviated from nose to tail, yet it's quite tall. Its shape, slightly reworked for 2009 with new bumpers, grille, hood, rear load sill guard, wider rear window, updated liftgate handle, new two-piece tail lamps, shorter antenna, and new wheel designs, is rounded up front and slab-like at the rear, completely unique looking and totally purposeful. No one will accuse you of being frivolous when eyeing you behind the wheel through the wide-open greenhouse, yet no one will think you're cheap or without means either, especially those that ride along with you.
Yes, climb inside the updated interior and you won't be disappointed, it's a true Mercedes-Benz. From the ultra-wide centre stack housing top-tier switchgear, to the large, comfortable seats that support buttocks and backside and boast all-new very attractive Artico leather and fabric upholstery on reshaped cushions, this is one accommodating little car. And it doesn't matter how small or large you are, as you'll find the B roomy in every direction, especially if you're taller than average where the lofty roof will give you overhead airspace to spare. The roofliner is the kind of top-tier woven fabric all good cars use, and it wraps down each pillar the way I like it. Most plastic surfaces are soft to the touch, and appear durable enough to last through years of family abuse.
New for this year is a standard Audio 20 stereo head unit with a CD changer, Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 compatibility, while an iPod connection and MP3 interface is optional. The Turbo's 17-inch five-twin-spoke wheels on 215/45R17 all-season tires are standard, while an optional Premium Package adds a panoramic sunroof, Myrtle Wood trim, heated front seats and an electronic compass. An optional Entertainment Package includes Sirius satellite radio and a harman/kardon Logic7 Sound audio upgrade. Incidentally, the auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing wipers that now come standard on the base non-turbo car are also included with the B200 Turbo.
The drive is more large-car than small, too, with good stability thanks to a nice wide track, and none of the fore and aft bobbing I initially thought its stubby wheelbase would cause. The top-line B200 Turbo really gets up and moves along, thanks to an energetic 193hp four-cylinder that makes 206 lb-ft of torque way down low in its rev range, 1,800 rpm to be exact. Spirited takeoff is near immediate and the CVT gearbox, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift actuation, is a good companion to the engine, keeping the revs at peak power all the way up to the desired speed, and holding gears mid-corner if desired.
For those concerned about safety in such a small car, Mercedes is clear to point out that its innovative "sandwich" double floor design is about as safe as body shells come. Basically, the car's engine, transmission and other running gear is housed under the cabin with driver and passengers placed higher above, a configuration that also delivers a commanding view of the road, not unlike a small crossover SUV or minivan. If struck from the front, the drivetrain will move under the car, protecting occupants inside from anything mechanical entering the cabin, and pushing the body shell upwards and out of the way of the vehicle or object being hit. Of course, a full assortment of airbags comes standard too, as do four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, plus electronic traction and stability control.
The B200 Turbo is relatively lightweight, at least for a Mercedes, at 1,430 kilos (3,152 lbs) as outfitted or 1,395 kg (3,075 lbs) with the standard six-speed manual transmission, optimizing performance and fuel economy. To the latter end, Canada's EnerGuide rating system estimates 10.3L/100km in the city and 6.9 on the highway, although marring the experience is the need for premium fuel. And yes, if you think you can escape pricy premium grade gas with the non-turbo engine, which incidentally makes 134hp and 136 lb-ft of torque, you'll be out of luck, but it does achieve better fuel economy numbers at 9.2 and 6.7L/100km respectively. Mercedes warrants the car bumper-to-bumper (more or less) for four years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first, which is average for the premium class. At $32,400 for the Turbo (and $29,900 for the base B200) it's not the cheapest in its segment either, but it's totally in sync with its competitors and the three-pointed star on the grille does benefit resale value.
The B200 Turbo is a fun car to drive for sure, but more importantly it's a fabulously functional people and gear hauler with a stellar cargo bay capable of stowing up to 544 litres (19.1 cu ft) of what-have-you with the seats up and 1,530 litres (54.0 cu ft) with the rear seats lowered, which incidentally is totally impossible inside any of its premium competitors. So, before you bite the bait dangled by one of M-B's European rivals, consider that the car you're about to buy is the car you have to live with for three or more years, and that the B's day-to-day livability is top-notch. There might not be a lot of sex appeal to that scenario, but my significant other always told me that I was sexiest when doing the dishes or taking out the trash. Practicality does have its merits.
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