Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247

As SUVs get more and more popular in the Gen Z era, the MPVs are starting to lose its touch even though it offers the same practicality as the now ubiquitous automotive trend. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one of the MPVs that trying to keep up against the new motoring reality by offering practicality, performance, and technology fit for today's European families.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Starting at 28,143.50 Euros plus tax and delivery, the third-generation B-Class is almost as reasonably priced as today's MPVs and although more expensive than its main rival, the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, the new B-Class is the better looking of the two because its a Mercedes-Benz and posh moms are more than welcome to drive the new B-Class more than the aging 2-Series Active Tourer.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class interior

Because it runs on the same stuff that you get from today's A-Class, the third-generation B-Class looks better compared to its predecessor and it's surprisingly longer as well. With such good looks, the new B-Class is starting to get shape for an MPV of this size and same goes for the interior, which accommodates five people and has loads of nifty features, including the new MBUX multimedia system that delivers user-friendly features that will make them getting to know this MPV better. Because it's now roomier compared to the previous model, you'll have plenty of reasons to get used to its decent luggage space as well as the rear legroom, which is about as good as a midsize vehicle you used to own. This then has the makings of a city car and while it works like a city car, it goes like one.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The third-generation B-Class is offered with a choice of a 1.3L and 2.0L petrol engine, both mated to a 7G-DCT, and a choice of a 1.5L and 2.0L diesel engine, both mated to a brand new 8-speed DCT, and although their new diesel lineup is compliant with the new Euro 6d regulations in effect for 2020, diesel skeptics in Europe might have to double think about buying those variants so in the meantime, as Europeans, best to shoo away from the diesels for now and make do with the petrol ones until Mercedes plans to release a hybrid version of the B-Class anytime soon. Still, those new diesel engines are worth the shot if you got the urge to find out just how clean these so-called clean diesel engines will be.

Drive wise, the new B-Class drives better than the previous model thanks to its improved suspension setup, chassis revisions, and the DYNAMIC SELECT feature which allows drivers to change which sort of driving feel will be, be it comfortable or sporty, depending on the roads this MPV goes. As for safety, the new B-Class borrows some of the Intelligent Drive functions from the S-Class, capable of becoming one of the safest MPVs to drive, only if you're prepared to gulp yourself to its semi-autonomous driving witchcraft Mercedes injected into it. Like it or not, these added levels of safety is worth noticing.

So, would you rather drive the new B-Class than the nearly outdated BMW 2-Series Active Tourer? Judging by the looks, features, tech, and performance, it's worth noticing that despite the pricing, the new B-Class is worth driving compared to its BMW rival and that is the bottom line.

Photo: Daimler AG