CD Article: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B Class

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:


For 2009, the B-Class receives refreshed styling that makes it look sportier, new seat cushions and fabric design, and new audio and media interface connections for iPod, USB and auxiliary units.  Both B200 and B200 Turbo models continue to be offered.
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[Eric Green]

I've driven both a B200 Turbo (CVT) and a 06 Matrix XR(manual). The packaging of both is impressive, and fit and finish were both good. But the price of the Benz left me gasping. I can't see the value proposition for the Benz, when the Matrix offers so much for ~half the price of the MB for what appeared to me to be a substantively-similar car. Maybe "driving a grille" is that important to people?

/disclaimer: I don't drive either, and have no particular preference for either MB or Toyota- both great marques.

[Schmengie]

  Remove that 3-pointed star and except for a few interior controls and the 'wood effect' trim, you'd never know this is a Mercedes. 25 grand for the base model, which IIRC comes with chintzy plastic wheel covers, would be far more reasonable considering that this is a 2L front-drive econobox. As far as I can see, the B200 has no real advantages over competitors like the Rondo or Mazda5, certainly not $7K-$8K worth. I think the folks that buy this car are paying for the Mercedes name more than anything else. Long-term reliability isn't exactly a Mercedes strong-point either.

Edit I just checked the Mercedes Canada website and a base B200 optioned with alloy wheels, A/T and an iPod jack is $33,475. Ouch!

[johngenx]

If they really wanted to be competitive in the hatch-wagon-mini-van-thing segment, they would sell a $29,995 B-Class with the 4-matic system standard and available diesel engine.  If they could bring it with both 4-matic and diesel for $29K, even I'd think about taking a chance on MB ownership again...

[tortoise]

136 HP out of a 2.0L using premium fuel is really underwhelming.

[mrori]

Remove that 3-pointed star and except for a few interior controls and the 'wood effect' trim, you'd never know this is a Mercedes. 25 grand for the base model, which IIRC comes with chintzy plastic wheel covers, would be far more reasonable considering that this is a 2L front-drive econobox. As far as I can see, the B200 has no real advantages over competitors like the Rondo or Mazda5, certainly not $7K-$8K worth. I think the folks that buy this car are paying for the Mercedes name more than anything else. Long-term reliability isn't exactly a Mercedes strong-point either.

Edit I just checked the Mercedes Canada website and a base B200 optioned with alloy wheels, A/T and an iPod jack is $33,475. Ouch!

But it is still better than the Audi A3 with $31,800 starting price. At least you have room in the MB.

[tpl]

A loaded GTI lists at about 33k. I looked at the B-class while shopping and if the B turbo had come closer to the GTI I might have bought one.   trouble is, to me it is a pudgy A-Class which I drove for a month and really liked so there is a aesthetic thing about the B as well as price. But if the HID lights and the sport package had been included on the Turbo for 34K I probably would own one now.

[2hondas]

I was never really a fan of this either. High price, very awkward looks, etc...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I LOVE the B-Class, but damn it is expensive with any sort of options added. Hence why I'm hot on the Tiguan instead (and went GTI last time). Regardless, Mercedes is doing a great job moving them. It's been a huge success, moreso when you consider the appearance (which I happen to like since it's packaged so clever) and cost.

The reliability issue is still a question mark for me as I've asked 2 people who have owned them and both had quite a few issues with theirs (B200 non-Turbos). The Turbo I test drove even had the check engine light illuminated, which isn't too reassuring.

[johngenx]

 The Turbo I test drove even had the check engine light illuminated, which isn't too reassuring.

For some time now, the "permanently illuminated" Check Engine Light has been standard equipment on many MB models...

 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

 The Turbo I test drove even had the check engine light illuminated, which isn't too reassuring.

For some time now, the "permanently illuminated" Check Engine Light has been standard equipment on many MB models...

 

I'm scared and I'm a VW driver!  haha

[TG]

I drove A class (which shares most of components with B calss) 1.8 diesel CVT in Germany. You can't compare this to any Japanese compact. Suspension has German feel and the thing is extremely quiet, even at 190-200 km/h. My max fuel consumption was 6l/100 (but we don't get diesel here). Seating position is quite high due ti sandwich floor.
Cons: limited cargo space, MB badge , options can be expensive.

[sailor723]

A friend has a non turbo model and while he likes it it seems to me that it spends a lot of time in the shop. I wonder how much longer MB can get away with trading on the reputation they built up in the 80's and early 90's? The premium you paid for the star was worth it in those days but not now!

[Oleg]

   I own a B200 turbo with CTV (my wife drives it) and love it so much I am getting a second one, a 2009 B Turbo 6 speed for myself.
Now, I've owned and driven all kinds of cars throughout the years some were really good some were just ok. But this little Mercedes is really special.
You can't possibly compare it to anything similar on the market especially japanese.
The technology and safety that is built in to this car is amazing. (Mercedes never saves money on that) It is as nicely put together and equiped as anything else Mercedes has to offer (especially now for 2009).
Yes it might be pricier then a lot of "comparable" cars, but it is as expensive to built as any of the larger cars from Mercedes.
Tell the manufacturer that you want their B models to be cheaper and they will explain to you why they can't even make any money on these cars yet.