The updated Mercedes B-Class will go on sale in the coming months with prices starting from £35,100 for a B200 Sport Executive petrol.
Update: Since this article was published, we've driven the facelifted Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Click here to read our full Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review
Prices for the rest of the range have yet to be revealed, but a high-specification plug-in hybrid example will cost north of £45,000. The B-Class competes with mini MPVs such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which starts from £31,285.
2023 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Exterior and Interior
The new Mercedes B-Class is an updated version of the current model sporting a revised grille, new headlights and new tail lights. It looks fresher than the current model, although you’d have to park old and new together to see the differences.
And it’s much the same story on the inside. In fairness, not much needed to change, the MPV’s combination of turbine air vents and huge (optional) infotainment screens remains one of the prettiest designs you’ll find in any car at this price. As a result, Mercedes has only seen fit to offer a choice of new, eco-friendly recycled fabrics.
Equipment levels have improved, however, with the latest B-Class coming armed as standard with a fast-charging USB-C port, reversing camera and a new two-spoke, Nappa leather-bound steering wheel. The Merc’s optional infotainment system – with seven and 10.25-inch infotainment screens – has also been updated with faster responses, improved voice recognition and a fingerprint sensor that makes it quick and easy to return the car to your preferred setup.
2023 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Engine and Hybrid Tech
The big news is the car’s new range of mild-hybrid petrol engines, which have a 48V power supply that improves engine stop-start efficiency, allows the B-Class to coast on the motorway and can provide a 13bhp electrical boost under acceleration. The result? A fuel economy improvement of around 5mpg.
What is a car infotainment system?
You get four mild-hybrid petrols to choose from. The 134bhp B180 and 161bhp B200 both have a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, while the 187bhp B220 and 221bhp B250 have a 2.0-litre engine and four-wheel drive.
Prefer to go full plug-in hybrid? The B250e fits the bill – it uses the same 1.3-litre petrol engine as before but is boosted by a large electric motor to produce 215bhp, along with the ability to travel around 40 miles on battery power alone. That could save you a fortune on petrol if you have a short commute and can charge the car at home. Using a fast public charger, you can charge the battery from 10-80 per cent full in 25 minutes.
Do lots of long drives? Then you’ll be better off with a diesel model and there are three to decide between – the B180 d (114bhp), B200 (148bhp) and B220 (187bhp), all with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Should I buy a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric car?
Keep your eyes peeled to our research homepage to read a first drive of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in the coming months.