Summarize

2009 Mercedes-Benz B220 CDI

B to A in comfort and style


Auto Bakkie Race Legend Tests are selected from our extensive road test archive.
This road test was first published in Cars in Action March 2009

I really like Mercedes-Benz' current batch of cars. The C-Class looks (and in AMG form goes) the part of a sporting saloon, S stands for super luxury and there is no better rap video ride than a G55. Bottom line is that for the most part, Mercedes leads almost every class it feels like attacking. 

Not so much with the B-Class — this Jack of all trades may not stand head and shoulders above the crowd in any specific factor, but it’s not at all bad overall, even if there are a few other hatch MPVs in its price range that would join it on my shopping list.

Merc knows this too, as its website suggests: “How do you develop a compact car with as much interior space as possible? How do you achieve the optimum balance between ride, comfort and sporty handling? How can a vehicle be practical and elegant at the same time?”

It goes on to answer by reminding us that 'B-Class combines the best qualities and concepts to deliver a Sports Tourer with exciting design and a degree of versatility to set it apart from the rest. Huh? Sounds like too little focus on one aspect, too much on the whole, to me. 

Merc also seems to have adopted the Sport Tourer as a class – up until now I thought Sport Tourers were motorcycles, but this latest subtle facelift retains those upright Vito-like looks and a dynamic waistline. But if it's space you're looking for, there’s not much to beat the B. Compared with some sub 300 grand hatches or MPVs, interior quality is good, although those cabin lines and material choices tend towards the drab.

Our diesel-powered test unit mated to an autobox delivered most reasonable fuel consumption and performed pretty impressively in spite of a slight delay on pull-off. Once up and running however, B220 CDI proved willing and quiet for serene motorway cruising despite a subtly wallowing ride and vague steering. 

While it may not stimulate a drag race at the price, the B-Class certainly will get you from A to B in comfort and style with the right badge on its nose. — Stuart Grant
 
LEGEND TEST — 2009 Mercedes-Benz B220 CDI AT
Engine: 103kW 300Nm 1991cc turbodiesel I4
Drive:   6-speed automatic FWD
TESTED (March 2009, 1500m ASL):
0-100km/h:               11.43sec  
400m:                     18.6 sec @ 133km/h
80-120km/h:              7.08 sec
CLAIMED:                       
0-100km/h                  4.05 sec
Vmax:                          295 km/h
Fuel:                      6.0/100km
CO2:                            151 g/km
NEW PRICE 2009:      R336K 
NEW PRICE TODAY:   R559K (B200d)
RATED THEN:             67% 
RATED NOW:             77% - look at the price!