2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review
Price
RM215,888
Installment
RM2,059/mth
2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Compact Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Although bigger and taller, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class carries many styling cues from the A-Class. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class does look well-proportioned, but does not differentiate itself enough visually from the A-Class—a key point that might put off some potential B-Class buyers.
Handling
Based on the same mechanical package as the A-Class, while being larger and weighing more, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has little appetite for bends or corners. The lifeless steering and mediocre grip make for limited driving fun. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is really built for highway cruising than twisty road handling.
Comfort
The cabin is a very comfortable place with multiple steering and seating adjustments, good visibility all-round, and well laid-out controls. Refinement is excellent, especially when taking into consideration the Mercedes-Benz B-Class's shape, with a calm, largely quiet cabin even on the highways. However, the ride can get fidgety at low city speeds, before settling at higher speeds. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class also deals with rougher surfaces poorly.
Quality + Reliability
Build quality and material used have both received tremendous attention worthy of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class's price tag. After suffering much criticism over quality that does not meet expectations, Mercedes-Benz has finally given the B-Class a high-quality cabin and solid mechanics that should last.
Performance
The B170 comes with a 1.7-litre engine capable of 115 bhp at 5500 rpm and 155 Nm at 3500 - 4000 rpm. The power output is respectable, but the 1.7-litre will need to be worked hard for any real pace, which will inevitably raise the engine noise level and affect the overall refinement.
Roominess
The spacious cabin offers generous head- and leg-room for five on board. Three can sit at the back with decent shoulder room. The boot is large and the rear seat bench can 1/3:2/3 split-fold for more space when required. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class however lacks the versatility and seven seats that mid-size MPVs bring.
Running Costs
The fuel economy is reasonable at 14.1 km/litre. Maintenance and repairs will be costly as all Mercedes-Benz servicing tends to be. Depreciation is one thing far from the minds of Mercedes-Benz owners, but B-Class owners should expect higher depreciation as compared to that for sedans in the Mercedes-Benz range.
Value for Money
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is expensive for what it offers. For the Compact Sports Tourer that Mercedes-Benz has made the B-Class out to be, sporty handling and powerful performance are not seen from the B170. No doubt the 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is spacious, but relative to mid-size MPVs, it lacks versatility and the third row of seats.
Equipment
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class gets speed-sensitive power steering, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift lever, CD-changer, Bluetooth function, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, parking assist system and 16-inch alloy wheels. Safety kit includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, Brake Assist (BAS), a number of airbags and anti-theft alarm.
Environment
171 grams/km of carbon dioxide emissions and 14.1 km/litre of fuel consumption are no more than average figures for a 1.7-litre engine. Mercedes-Benz should start offering diesels in its range for the lower running costs and lower emission levels.
