- Frugal turbo-diesel engines
- Responsive turbocharged petrol engines
- Innovative packaging makes for spacious and versatile interior
- Under-damped suspension lacks compliance
- Sluggish CVT
- Noisy diesel engines
- Steering lacks feel
Review: Mercedes-Benz W245.I B-Class (2005-08)
Overview
Released in October 2005, the Mercedes-Benz W245 Series I (W245.I) B-Class was a compact, five-seat people mover. Manufactured in Rastatt, Germany, the front-wheel drive W245 B-Class range initially consisted of the B 200 and B 200 Turbo models, but was expanded in June 2006 with the introduction of the B180 CDI. The full range is given in the table below.
| Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B 180 CDI | 2006-08 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (OM640 DE20) | 6sp man., 7sp CVT |
80 kW at 4200 rpm | 250 Nm at 1600-2600 rpm |
| B 200 | 2005-08 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (M266 E20) | 5sp man., 7sp CVT |
100 kW at 5750 rpm | 185 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm |
| B 200 Turbo | 2005-08 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 (M266 E20) | 6sp man., 7sp CVT |
142 kW at 5000 rpm | 280 Nm at 1800-4850 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the W169 A-Class on which it was based, the W245 B-Class was 387 mm longer (4270 mm), 13 mm wider (1777 mm), 11 mm taller (1604 mm) and had a 210 mm longer wheelbase (2778 mm). Like the W169 A-Class , the B-Class featured Mercedes-Benz’s ‘sandwich’ floor concept which positioned the engine and transmission at an angle so that, in the event of a collision, they would move beneath the passenger cell. In addition to improved occupant protection, the design also contributed to a 200 mm higher seating position.
The W245 B-Class had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W245 B-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front side airbags (head/thorax), full-length curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front and outer rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and front seatbelt force limiters. From August 2007, rear side airbags were fitted as standard.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Mercedes-Benz W245 B 180 CDI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.57 out of 37 – this result was achieved prior to the introduction of rear side airbags. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, while there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and passenger.
Features: Mercedes-Benz W245 B-Class
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W245 B-Class included 16-inch light-alloy wheels, an Audio 20 sound system with a single in-dash CD player and radio, air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 60/40 split and folding removable rear seats (with ski-hatch), a height adjustable load floor, multi-function steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, luggage compartment cover, tinted windows, tyre pressure monitoring, trip computer and immobiliser.
August 2007: B-Class update
In August 2007, the B-Class underwent a minor update; in addition to the rear side airbags, the B 200 Turbo was fitted with front and rear parking sensors (‘Parktronic’) and cruise control with speed limiter (‘Speedtronic’).
Related links
Review: Mercedes-Benz W245.II B-Class (2008-11)
Overview
Released in October 2008, the Mercedes-Benz W245 Series II (W245.II) B-Class featured a subtle facelift and improved equipment levels. Visually, the W245.II B-Class could be identified by its three-bar radiator grille, larger air intakes, revised bonnet, front bumper, rear tail-lights and door mirrors. In January 2010, the range was expanded with the introduction of the B 180.
| Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B 180 | 2010-11 | 1.7-litre petrol I4 (M266 E17) | 5sp man., CVT |
85 kW at 5500 rpm | 155 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm |
| B 180 CDI | 2008-11 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (OM640 DE20) | 6sp man., 7sp CVT |
80 kW at 4200 rpm | 250 Nm at 1600-2600 rpm |
| B 200 | 2008-11 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (M266 E20) | 5sp man., 7sp CVT |
100 kW at 5750 rpm | 185 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm |
| B 200 Turbo | 2008-11 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 (M266 E20) | 6sp man., 7sp CVT |
142 kW at 5000 rpm | 280 Nm at 1800-4850 rpm |
Features
Compared to its W245.I predecessor, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W245.II B-Class were extended to an upgraded sound system with a six-stack CD player with auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), MP3/WMA/AAC-compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity.
The B 200 Turbo was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Active Parking Assist’, which used ultrasonic sensors to assess potential parking spaces and autonomously reverse the car into the space, and a 12 volt power outlet in the boot.
2010: Mercedes-Benz B-Class update
The B-Class underwent a minor update for 2010 as the newly introduced B 180 was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. Standard features for the B 180 CDI and B 200 were also extended to include 17-inch AMG alloy wheels, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Beyond this, the B 200 Turbo added 18-inch alloy wheels, COMAND APS system with a six disc CD/DVD player, satellite navigation, 6.5-inch colour display, 4GB hard-drive and voice recognition.
2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Anniversary Package
From June 2011, optional Anniversary Packages were available. For the B 180, the Anniversary Package included the continuously variable transmission (CVT), power adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors and Active Parking Assist. For the B 200, the Anniversary Package also included COMAND APS (as per the B 200 Turbo).
Related links
- Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W245.II B-Class (October 2008)
- Specifications and Prices: Mercedes-Benz W245.II B-Class (August 2008)
- Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W245 B-Class
