Review: Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class (2012-18)

Review: Mercedes-Benz W246.I B-Class (2012-14)

Overview

Released in April 2012, the Mercedes-Benz W246 Series I (W246.I) B-Class was a compact, five-seat people mover. Manufactured in Rastatt, Germany, the front-wheel drive W246 B-Class range initially consisted of the B 180 BlueEfficiency, B 200 BlueEfficiency and B 200 CDI Blue Efficiency; the B 250 BlueEfficiency followed in December 2012 (see table below). All engines were mated to seven-speed double clutch transmissions and featured Mercedes-Benz’s ‘ECO start/stop’ system which could shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary to conserve fuel.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the W245 B-Class , the W246 B-Class was 196 mm longer (at 4466 mm), 9 mm wider (1786 mm), 46 mm lower (1558 mm) and had a 79 mm shorter wheelbase (2699 mm); the centre of gravity was also lowered by 20 mm, while the drag coefficient was reduced to 0.26 Cd. Like the W176 A-Class with which it shared its platform, the W246 B-Class had MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class included dual front airbags (dual-stage), a driver’s knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The B-Class was also fitted with:

• Mercedes-Benz ‘Pre-Safe’ system which – in the event of an anticipated collision – automatically tensioned the front occupants’ seatbelts, closed the windows and sunroof and adjusted the front passenger seat position (if the memory package was fitted);
• Collision Prevention Assist (radar-based collision warning with adaptive Brake Assist): operated at speeds between 7 km/h and 250 km/h and could detect a collision risk when driving at speeds between 30 km/h and 250 km/h, and detect stationary objects when driving at speeds of up to 70 km/h. Collision Prevention Assist monitored the distance to the vehicle ahead, would provide visual and audible warning to the driver if there was a collision risk and would optimise braking power (adaptive Brake Assist) for when the driver depressed the brake pedal;
• Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Attention Assist’ system which operated at speeds in excess of 80 km/h and assessed driver behaviour and steering movements for signs of drowsiness; if detected, the driver would be provided with visual and audible warnings.

Euro NCAP and ANCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a Mercedes-Benz W246 B 200 CDI BlueEfficiency received a five star safety rating which included a 97 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, the B 200 CDI received maximum points for driver protection. Maximum points were also awarded in the side impact test. In the more severe pole test, chest protection was adequate while protection for all other body areas was rated as good. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.78 out of 37.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W246 B 180,

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W246 B 180 BlueEfficiency included 16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, a six speaker Audio 20 sound system with a six-disc CD changer, MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth audio streaming and a 14.7cm TFT colour display, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, a 12 volt power outlet, cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The B-Class was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Active Parking Assist’ system which could identify suitable parallel parking spaces – when traveling at speeds of up to 36 km/h – and autonomously steer the vehicle as the driver reversed towards the parking space.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W246 B 200

The W246 B 200 BlueEfficiency and B 200 CDI BlueEfficiency were further equipped with 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, Artico synthetic leather seats, four-way power adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and electrochromatic door and rear view mirrors. Visually, the B 200 models could be identified by their three louvre silver grille and chrome bumpers highlights; inside, there was black ash wood trim and additional chrome highlights.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W246  B 250

The Mercedes-Benz W246 B 250 BlueEfficiency was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered ‘Avantgarde’ suspension, bi-xenon headlights with washers, perforated leather steering wheel, black roof liner, LED tail-lights and privacy glass. The B 250 BlueEfficiency was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Direct-Steer’ system which provided variable servo assistance and steering ratios (for reduced steering effort and greater accuracy, respectively). Visually, the B 250 BlueEfficiency was differentiated by its two louvre radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome highlights, its brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, high-gloss black door mirrors and the omission of chrome highlights from its bumpers.

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class (October 2011)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class (November 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class (June 2014)

Review: Mercedes-Benz W246.II B-Class (2015-18)

Overview

Released in Australia in February 2015, the Mercedes-Benz W246 Series II (W246.II) B-Class introduced a revised range that included B 250 4MATIC models. Visually, the W246.II B-Class could be identified by its new head lamps with integrated daytime running lights, new front bumper, wide radiator trim with two louvers, modified rear bumper with a contoured covering and an additional chrome strip; the B 200, B 200 CDI and B 250 4MATIC were also fitted with LED high performance head lamps as standard.

Inside, the W246.II B-Class featured a 20.3 cm (eight-inch) free-standing head unit display, new telematics and ‘Mercedes connect me’ services.

4MATIC all-wheel drive system

The Haldex all-wheel drive system for the B 250 (termed ‘4MATIC’ by Mercedes-Benz) utilised an electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch which was integrated with the rear axle differential. In normal driving, torque was directed entirely to the front wheels for optimum efficiency. If slip was detected at the front wheels, however, a hydraulic pump would press the clutch discs together to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle (i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque split). The all-wheel drive system also provided variable torque distribution, with the front:rear split determined by vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, speed difference between the individual wheels, selected gear and accelerator position.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the W246.II B-Class was unchanged. The B 200, B 200 CDI and B 250 4MATIC, however, were also fitted with Blind Spot Assist which could warn the driver of vehicle’s in the driver’s blind spot.

Features

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W246.II B 180 included 17-inch alloy wheels, an ‘Audio 20’ media system with six speaker, an eight-inch TFT display, CD player, MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Garmin ‘Map Pilot’ navigation system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, cloth seats, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, daytime LED running lights, a rear fog lamp, front and rear parking sensors, Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Active Parking Assist’ (described above), a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40:60 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, push-button start, reading lights, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, black roofliner, two 12 volt power sockets, a cargo cover, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The B 200 and B 200 CDI were further equipped with ‘Thermotronic’ dual-zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery, LED headlights, power folding door mirrors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, black ash wood trim, an adjustable front arm rest and rear arm rest.

The B 250 4MATIC was further equipped with:

• The ‘AMG Line’ package which included AMG body styling (unique front and rear bumpers), 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, lowered suspension, combination ‘Artico’ synthetic leather and ‘Dinamica’ upholstery with red contrasting stitching, sports pedals and AMG floor mats;
• Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Night Package’ which included a twin-louvre radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome highlights, high-gloss black door mirror caps and rear privacy glass; and,
• ‘Keyless Go’ and a motion-sensing an alarm system as standard.

Specifications

• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W246.II B-Class (February 2015)

Related links

• Mercedes-Benz Australia: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W246 B-Class