Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo

What on earth is it? We think we've got the answer

Evo rating
RRP
from £22,795
  • Looks good, goes well
  • Expensive. It's no hot hatch

It's so that people can move from A to B; that's why Mercedes made it. It took us a while to work it out, though. There was some earnest bonce-scratching when the new B-class arrived in the car park at Evo Towers. No-one could quite fathom what it was. A very expensive Renault Scenic perhaps? Or an estate for short people? With a 2-litre petrol turbo, 193bhp and a six-speed 'box, it could even have been a sort of big hot hatch. But none of these seemed quite right. It looks good - all wide yet compact, and it attracts plenty of attention. Climb inside and it's Mercedes business as usual with a pleasingly classy ambience. However, it's clear that if you combine that chunky design with a higher than average seating position then something has to give and in the B-class it's headroom. Despite the badge on the back, its speed still causes a raise of the eyebrows. The 0-62mph time feels easily do-able, torque-steer-free traction is excellent and the turbo-enhanced mid-range means that overtaking is easy. Although it isn't a hot hatch, if you find yourself on a good road then it will certainly let you enjoy it, up to a point. You get on the throttle as early as possible in a corner, working the front end's grip through fast sweeps. It's quite stiffly suspended laterally too, but the rear doesn't want to play at all and the very light steering means that there's less fun to be had on tight and bumpy B-roads. And that's when I realise that it's just like the other high-floored, front-wheel-drive model from Mercedes. The new B-class is for people who want an A-class, but who want it just a little bit bigger.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 2035cc, turbo
Max power193bhp @ 5000rpm
Max torque206lb ft @ 1800-4850rpm
0-607.6sec (claimed)
Top speed140mph (claimed)
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025