I'm new to this part of the forum (occassionaly post on the CLK part). My main car is currently a Volvo V70. I need a car of this size to swallow my gear when I'm out gigging with my band, however it's getting old now so time for a change. I don't really want another estate car and I've read great things about the B Class. It's shorter than the Volvo but it looks to have a similar luggage capacity. So do any of you guys regulary have the back seats down and the car loaded up ??. If so I'd love to hear your experiences of whether it's as versatile as Merc says it is. Also I'd be interested to know what engines you would recommend. I must admit I've never had a diesel engined car, but could be persuaded, but are thinking the B170 might be a good choice. My Volvo has a 2.5T 210bhp lump so whilst it's fast it only does 28 mpg so I'm willing to compromise on power to be more environmentally friendly !!.
Get a test drive in a B200 CDI (2 litre Diesel) * it is available in manual or Auto
0-62 mph approx 9.6 seconds top speed 124 (121A) from torquey 140 BHP engine.
With the engine you have been used to anything smaller will probably feel underpowered.
I would avoid the Sport if you intend carrying a lot of weight it's low enough unladen & the suspension is probably much firmer than you are used to also the 17" wheels are very easy to kerb.
There is masses of space with the rear seats down and if you need more the easy vario version will allow you to easily remove the front seat.
* I expect other members will recommend their own engine size though
The load carrying capacity of the B is very much its strongest point.
Rarely do I need to lower the backseat because the boot is big. The only time I have had to lower the front seat backrest was when transporting a shower door in its cardboard packing.
I loaded a Bang & Olufsen 32" Avant television in it for a 200 mile journey, took three blokes to load it but was an easy fit. If you have seen this TV you will know its a free standing monster. With a front seat passenger and luggage we still cruised at motorway (turnpike) speeds.
Since the rear seat squabs can be removed very easily and the backrests fold to a flat floor I didn't see the need to order the Vario option and don't regret the choice.
I have a B170SE UK spec and find the power ok ... our roads are so crowded and have so many speed cameras that a sporting car is a waste of money - just can't use it. It cruises at 80 mph on the motorway no problem and gets 38-40 mpg (imperial measure). Around town or when accelerating stopping economy drops noticeably. In everyday use I get 36mpg imperial.
do not go for B170 if you want to transport a lot of things, 110 bhp b-class compared to 200 bhp volvo will be very slow esspecially loaded
diesel is a good solution - i've got 180 CDI (110 bhp) - its not that bad but I think 200 CDI will be good for you and in addition i'm sure its environmentally friendly
if we're talking about luggage capacity you can transport a lot of things with rear seats down. I transported furniture and i was amazed of its capacity. one negative thing is that loading threshold is quite high.
i wish success in choice,
paul
Thanks for your responses so far. What the concensus of opinion on gearboxes ??. I'm easy either way, but the missus likes autos (not that she drives herself). I've never had a CVT gearbox...are they any good ?
CVT Auto gives Seamless gearchange accelerate from 0-max speed no jerks as with normal auto.
Can be driven as 7 speed manual if you want to drive it like a car with a normal gearbox.
It has sport & comfort settings & aparently has learning curve(ie the way you like to drive) in the sport mode.
Can be held in lower gear on long (mountainous) descents to save brakes overheating. Steering wheel gearchange paddles are available but I found that these could get operated accidentally when pulling away & turning at the same time (I personally would not recommend these). Compared to the CVT I had on a Ford Fiesta some years ago this auto box is much better.
Again I recommend you try one on a dealers test drive. The car is expensive so demand a decent time to try it out.
I have had over 30 odd cars now & I do like this Autobox. (& what a pleasure it is not having to keep de-clutching in town driving or a traffic jam).
Comes with cruise control & speed limiter as standard. (on the UK Model not sure about other countries though)
I would not go back to a manual now. (Seem to remember reading somewhere that about 90% of Mercs are fitted with auto boxes ) Say no more.
Go to the B-Class Gallery( on page 2 at this time). You will see how I load 2 bikes and there's still tons of room for gear. Kayaks on top and solid as a rock. Very satisfied so far. Cheers, Derek
Have a long test drive in the B Class before you buy. I bought a B180 diesel automatic and have been very disappointed in it. I find it noisy and coarse. I choise it based on the MB brochure description without a proper test drive and thoroughly regret it.
Go to the B-Class Gallery( on page 2 at this time). You will see how I load 2 bikes and there's still tons of room for gear. Kayaks on top and solid as a rock. Very satisfied so far. Cheers, Derek
Derek
That's great, thanks. Took me a bit of time to find your pics (it's a long thread !), but can see what you mean. It swallows your bikes. The Volvo really lacks in height, so much so that I've put flourescent stickers inside at the top of the rear hatch as the 1st day I had it I leaned into the car and very nearly knocked myself out as I cracked my head against the metalwork. It scores well though for the load length it can take. The B Class looks to beat it easily on load height so I think I could stack things up more.
Might get myself to my local dealer this weekend and have a closer look. If I can get a test drive then I'll take it home and load my band gear into it to see if it will all fit.
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