Worthy of the Mercedes name on the road?
I would certainly answer in the positive. I tested a turbo version equipped with the CVT transmission. The mini minivan is quick but certainly not fast. This CVT is amongst the smoothest that I have ever experienced but its reaction times are a little slow, not uncommon to most CVTs. The ride is very supple and comfortable, not particularly sporty but
quite confident. Braking performance is reassuringly good, even when scrubbing off a high rate of speed in a short distance. Steering is linear and precise.
A Mercedes B-Class or a Volvo V50?
In this case, the Mercedes offers more interior space and storage. Both are versatile but the B-Class has a greater number of interior features. In both instances, these vehicles offer the same quality of construction as their larger more expensive siblings. The optional engines, 2.0T for the B and 2.5T for the V50, are turbocharged and provide good performance although the Volvo's is stronger. On the other hand, the Mercedes is more economical. The V50 is available with an optional AWD system whereas the B 200 is driven only by the front wheels. Both make the owner appreciate the quality of craftsmanship that is put into these European vehicles. Quite honestly, I am not certain as to which one I would choose. Purely for the "sportiness" of the drive, I would go for the Volvo.
What says me?
The B-Class is an impressive offering in the compact deluxe category: it is extremely quiet, refined, comfortable and agreeable to drive. It is basically a compact minivan aimed squarely at well-to-do young families looking for prestige and safety. Problem is that it is pricey. Granted the price reflects Mercedes quality but nowadays, the overall quality of cars from Japan, for example, is impressive. Although its competitors are in the same price range, the B-Class lacks character, especially when compared to the rest of Mercedes-Benz's line-up. On the whole, it is a fine automobile however it will doubtfully and unfortunately not reach the same standing and success already achieved by the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
The basic B 200 begins at $30,950. A [link artid="49862"]B 200 Turbo[/link], with options, can fetch about $55,000.
Good stuff:
Butter smooth CVT
Quiet interior
Not so good stuff:
A few thousand $$ too many
Competitors
Volvo V50
Audi A3
Acura TSX
I would certainly answer in the positive. I tested a turbo version equipped with the CVT transmission. The mini minivan is quick but certainly not fast. This CVT is amongst the smoothest that I have ever experienced but its reaction times are a little slow, not uncommon to most CVTs. The ride is very supple and comfortable, not particularly sporty but
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
A Mercedes B-Class or a Volvo V50?
In this case, the Mercedes offers more interior space and storage. Both are versatile but the B-Class has a greater number of interior features. In both instances, these vehicles offer the same quality of construction as their larger more expensive siblings. The optional engines, 2.0T for the B and 2.5T for the V50, are turbocharged and provide good performance although the Volvo's is stronger. On the other hand, the Mercedes is more economical. The V50 is available with an optional AWD system whereas the B 200 is driven only by the front wheels. Both make the owner appreciate the quality of craftsmanship that is put into these European vehicles. Quite honestly, I am not certain as to which one I would choose. Purely for the "sportiness" of the drive, I would go for the Volvo.
What says me?
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
The basic B 200 begins at $30,950. A [link artid="49862"]B 200 Turbo[/link], with options, can fetch about $55,000.
Good stuff:
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Butter smooth CVT
Quiet interior
Not so good stuff:
A few thousand $$ too many
Competitors
Volvo V50
Audi A3
Acura TSX
2006 Mercedes B-Class B 200 Turbo
2006 Mercedes B-Class B 200 Turbo
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