What's all this about?
This bulbous creation is the third-generation Mercedes B-Class, the mini-MPV that's closely related to the A-Class. And that's the case again, because the B-Class Mk3 looks like an A-Class Mk4 that's been slightly over-inflated on an air pump.
So you don't think it's a good-looking car, then?
Not really, no. But form follows function in this case, and the new B-Class is said to have 'an even more generous feeling of space than in the previous model', because its driver sits 90mm higher than in an A-Class and the beltline of the B-Class is lower than before. Despite its tall looks, the roofline is actually lower than the old model and the B has a slippery 0.24 coefficient of drag rating, which compared to 0.25 previously. There's a long wheelbase (2,729mm) with short overhangs and wheels of between 16 and 19 inches in diameter, but a beauty, the new B-Class is not.
OK, how about within?
Spacious. Light. Airy. And practical. Not only do you sit higher than in an A-Class, there's a lot of space onboard. The boot, for instance, can hold at least 455 litres and it can rise to a simply massive 705 litres - still with five humans seated in the cabin - because, as of mid-2019, the rear 40:20:40 split seats will be able to slide forwards and backwards by up to 140mm. Fold them away and a huge 1,540 litres of cargo capacity is revealed. Massive. Not only that, but the B-Class' dash architecture takes a very welcome leaf out of the A-Class' book, with the five round air vents and lovely, two-tier arrangement... oh, and the magnificent MBUX infotainment interface, on higher-spec models. MPV life never looked so appealing. Well, on the inside, at least.
What about motive power?
Engines from the A-Class and the rest of the M-B family. Choose from the 1.5-litre diesel, at 116hp, two variants of the OM654 diesel (either 150- or 190hp) and then a pair of petrol engines, both 1.33-litre units, which have either 136- or 163hp. All models will come with dual-clutch gearboxes at first, with a new eight-speed 8G-DCT on the 2.0-litre diesels, while further engine options and 4Matic all-wheel drive will follow. Like the A-Class, higher-spec models get more advanced kit - the smaller engined models employ a torsion-beam rear axle set-up, while more expensive cars get four-link suspension at the back; and a 43-litre fuel tank can optionally be uprated to a 51-litre item... but only on certain variants. The costley ones, basically.
Matt Robinson - 2 Oct 2018