My tester was the base model, with a standard five-speed manual transmission mated to a peppy 134-horsepower 2.0-litre
inline four-cylinder engine. A continuously variable automatic transmission is available as an option. The Turbo model gets a big boost in horsepower (193) from the same engine, and comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional variable auto tranny.
Performance was just what you'd expect from a Mercedes, albeit a rather different looking one than what you're used to. The five-speed was silky smooth, the engine performed excellently and the brakes were exceptional. My only complaint would be a bit of engine buzz at highway speeds, but up to 120 km/h the cabin noise was comparable to the Mercedes E-Class sedan. Speaking of the E-Class, to get an idea of how clever the B-Class chassis design is, consider the B200 has more interior space than the big sedan.
Inside, the B-Class is all Mercedes' class. Superb fit and finish, the use of high quality
materials and a control/gauge layout that cannot be improved upon, make the B200 cabin as good if not better than the interiors of its big money stablemates.
Speaking of money, priced as they are -- $30K and $35K for the base and turbo models respectfully -- these puppies are priced to sell. Expect to see your local Benz dealer lot overflowing with M-Class trade-ins, as loyal Mercedes' customers realize the folly of owning an SUV when the B200 fits all their motoring needs. The only losers in all this, as I see it, are any Mercedes' salespeople who work on commission.
And finally, thanks to the 2006 B-Class, that classic Janis Joplin's refrain, "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz," just got a whole lot more realistic for an entirely new segment of buyer, the working class.
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| My tester was the base model, with a standard five-speed manual transmission mated to a peppy 134-horsepower 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Performance was just what you'd expect from a Mercedes, albeit a rather different looking one than what you're used to. The five-speed was silky smooth, the engine performed excellently and the brakes were exceptional. My only complaint would be a bit of engine buzz at highway speeds, but up to 120 km/h the cabin noise was comparable to the Mercedes E-Class sedan. Speaking of the E-Class, to get an idea of how clever the B-Class chassis design is, consider the B200 has more interior space than the big sedan.
Inside, the B-Class is all Mercedes' class. Superb fit and finish, the use of high quality
 |
| Inside, the B-Class is all Mercedes' class. Superb fit and finish plus high quality materials make it unique in the industry. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Speaking of money, priced as they are -- $30K and $35K for the base and turbo models respectfully -- these puppies are priced to sell. Expect to see your local Benz dealer lot overflowing with M-Class trade-ins, as loyal Mercedes' customers realize the folly of owning an SUV when the B200 fits all their motoring needs. The only losers in all this, as I see it, are any Mercedes' salespeople who work on commission.
And finally, thanks to the 2006 B-Class, that classic Janis Joplin's refrain, "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz," just got a whole lot more realistic for an entirely new segment of buyer, the working class.