The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz since 2005. Based on the A-Class with larger dimensions, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) classifies it as a small MPV.^[2]

Mercedes-Benz had presented a concept car Vision B Compact Sports Tourer at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. The concept previewed some features that would be available on the production B-Class. The Vision B was based on the layered platform, so that the drivetrain would be placed partly in front of and underneath the passengers.^[3]

As of December 20, 2013, delivery of B-Class vehicles reached 1 million since its launch in 2005.^[4]

Quick Facts First generation (W245), Overview ...

First generation (W245)
Before facelift
Overview
Production	June 2004[5] – 2011
Assembly	Germany: Rastatt
Body and chassis
Related	A-Class (W169)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.5 L M266.920 I4 1.7 L M266.940 I4 2.0 L M266.960 I4 2.0 L M266.980 turbo I4 Diesel: 2.0 L OM640 turbo I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2006–08: 2,786 mm (109.7 in) 2009-11: 2,779 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4,270 mm (168.1 in)
Width	1,778 mm (70.0 in)
Height	2006–08: 1,613 mm (63.5 in) 2009–11: 1,603 mm (63.1 in)

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The first generation B-Class was introduced in Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world in spring 2005, and in Canada in autumn 2005. The B-Class uses front-wheel drive with sandwich floor construction, parabolic rear suspension,^[6] and a two-box design — one for the drivetrain and another for the shared passenger and luggage compartment. The B-Class maximises its interior volume via its height. Having derived from the smaller A-Class, it retained that car's sandwich floor concept.^[7]

All models included passive automobile safety systems including ESP, ABS, traction control, cornering lights, active lighting system, and headlamp assist.^[8] In the event of a frontal impact the engine and transmission slide beneath the passenger compartment.

In 2008, it was updated with a start-stop system and a BlueEFFICIENCY option.^[9] A new NGT variant was added, which could burn either gasoline or natural gas.^[10]

In 2011, Mercedes-Benz did a world tour with three of its Mercedes-Benz F-Cell vehicles, one of which was the B-Class. The hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle was driven more than 30,000 kilometres in a circumnavigation of the globe, starting and ending in Stuttgart.^[11]

The W246 was revealed in August 2011,^[12] and made its public debut in September 2011 at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany. It was announced that the B-Class would come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, as well as an optional 7G-Tronic automatic. The start/stop technology was standard on all models.^[13]

Mass production of the B-Class started in November 2011 at the Rastatt plant in Germany.^[14] Additionally, the B-Class was the first vehicle to use the MFA platform.

Safety features include seven to nine airbags, hill-start assist, driver drowsiness detection, tyre pressure monitoring, Pre-Safe system that will tighten seatbelts, and a system that will automatically close the windows and the sunroof if the systems detect an approaching accident. Other safety systems include anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and brake assistant (BA).

The B-Class Electric Drive was introduced to the U.S. in December 2013 as an early 2014 model. It is one of the only B-Class models to ever be sold in the U.S. market, as well as being the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to ever be offered in an electric variant, though it was only available in certain states that required ZEV mandates. It was originally rebadged as the B-Class Electric Drive, but in 2017, it was renamed the B250e.

The third generation B-Class was launched at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October 2018. At launch, the vehicle was claimed to feature the Intelligent Drive semi-automated driving system borrowed from the S-Class.^[15]

The design was improved with a much shorter front overhang. The controversial sculpting on the side part of the vehicle was not carried over to the W247 B-Class. Three infotainment system options is available, with entry-level models getting dual seven-inch displays. A seven-inch display with the larger 10.25-inch display is available, with top-tier models getting a pair of the large displays. It is powered by a full MBUX infotainment system, giving B-Class buyers access to its functions through a standard touchscreen. Features such as intelligent voice control, augmented reality, and a head-up display are optional.^[15] The all-electric configuration was removed, but a plug-in hybrid option was introduced. The plug-in hybrid comes with a 10.9 kWh battery which optionally supports DC charging and provides a WLTP combined cycle range of 66 km.^[16]

• Rear view
• Progressive (front)
• Progressive (rear)
• Interior (pre-update)