emxgarcia

I just looked at the new B-Class and the layout is very efficient, it is actually roomier than the C-Class and the driving position is kind of SUV like (not my favorite).
However, this could prove to be a very popular vehicle in Latin America where I live and I would rather have my wife drive this B-Class than a C-Class (which I currently own).

djlight

B Class in Europa has some problem of kickdown of the automatic transmission.
We wait for a software update from MB in germany!

hawk20

Had no problem on mine. 5200 faultless miles. It is so roomy. Back seat wider than E class. Legroom front and rear is amazing. Boot as big as S class on Mercedes own figures. A truly great hatchback, much under-rated by the Press in my view. Collected mine from the factory. Great trip. 200cdi SE. Under 10 seconds 0-62 and nearly 50 miles per gallon.

Forsei

looks like an interesting option.
just wondering...read tt its a 8valve engine cvt trans...how's the ride and refinement?

hawk20

I had the cvt transmission and it's fine. Really smooth and great mpg. BUT I do think it is better with a diesel because of the huge torque (turning power) available. Lots of grunt at low revs is another way of putting it and it seems to suit the cvt.
I think you need the 2 litre petrol or diesel if funds permit. I found the smaller engines a bit short of grunt.

The ride has been widely praised (see Autocar review) and I thought general refinement was excellent -despite the fact that I came from an E270cdi.

patrick_y

I think the car looks good inside and out. Don't know about the drive but since it's from Mercedes, I reckon it can't be bad.

Holson

I saw one in Boston a few weeks back. I was sitting down so I saw it from the front as it was turning into the street.

I thought to myself "wow.. that's a very nice R-Class" - it was the B

hawk20

Yes there is a real similarity and now the new CL looks quite like the B class as well. It is the new look of Mercedes!

iandc666

I have had a B200 SE CDi 2 Litre Manual for 4 months and can confirm it is a great car.
Road holding, performance, comfort and space are excellent.
My only regret is not getting it sooner............

Ikelos

only had my B170SE with sports pack, which gives it bigger wheels and different suspension for a week now, more than pleased, also had fitted,parktronic and folding outsde mirrors..dont know why i thought about it for so long..........traded in a 2003 Rav4....

lkchris

Certainly already being used for taxis in Germany.

hawk20

I ashed a cab driver 'why Mercedes' and he said a) they last so long and b) everyone likes to travel in the best. If you have a Merc you get more rides.

lars

Yup, it's an 8 valve. I've driven a non-turbo 2 L with cvt and a regular automatic. This is the base engine in Canada. The cvt is not for me anyway, but neither is the engine up to MB's standard of refinement for the larger cars. It's noisy when pushed, and there's no sound insulation under the hood.

It's nicely finished, though, and it has lots of room, as others have pointed out. IMO a new Golf/Rabbit is much cheaper and a nicer drive, though with less room. It's just not an MB.