The B-Class with adjustable suspension springs up more supple than the tight 2 Series with M suspension (not adjustable). Both roll on 18-inch wheels.
B-Class decides the body chapter for themselves
The B-Class has a larger trunk, slightly more payload and 300 kg higher towing capacity (1.8 tons).
When it comes to operation, we cannot avoid another complaint about the omitted i-Drive. The touching that is now always necessary, the omitted air conditioning unit, the head-up display with additional pane are clear minus points compared to the B-Class, and the difference in points is correspondingly clear. Since the youthful freshness of the BMW flashes too little.
After all, the voice control is a bit more comprehensive, so the rear windows can also be closed by voice from the passenger seat. The B-Class does not (yet) master this, but is otherwise just as outstandingly good, because it is always intelligent and on the ball.
Engine type/cylinder
installation position
valves/camshafts
camshaft drive
displacement
System power kW (hp) at rpm
Nm at rpm
top speed
transmission
drive
Brakes front/rear
test car tires
tire type
wheel size
Exhaust gas CO2
Consumption*
tank capacity
fuel type
gasoline particulate filter
pass-by noise
trailer load used/unused
drawbar load
trunk volume
Length Width Height
wheelbase
basic price
Test car price (is evaluated)
Here and there, the Active Tourer surprises with a few clever ideas, asks at the entrance to the underground car park, which has been approached several times, whether the window should be opened automatically in the future. Should it. And the system reliably adheres to this as a result.
The B 250 and 223i storm off with a vengeance
When parking automatically, the BMW also recognizes parking spaces more precisely than the Mercedes, then places the car very accurately in the middle of the not-so-simple gap (pillar on the side), while the B-Class opens the driver’s door in a less complicated parking bay after automated parking Neighbor cars blocked. Accordingly, the driver has to go again himself.
You sit one and a half centimeters higher in the BMW 223i (60 cm). The interior is quieter while driving.
This is generally associated with both of them with a good portion of fun. Thanks to powerful engines (including high-traction all-wheel drive), the B 250 and 223i storm off and reach impressive top speeds when the road is clear. Both look very confident, but not overpowered.
The well-insulated BMW drive shines with the smoother running, only sounds hard and robust at the end of the speed range. The B-Class denies this, but the two-liter turbo in the already louder Mercedes works a little more throatily overall. Rather incidental: From a speed of 160, the stronger and lighter Mercedes arrows much more emphatically towards top speed.
Acceleration 0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
0-200km/h
Intermediate sprint 60-100 km/h
80-120km/h
curb weight/load
Weight distribution v./h.
Turning circle left/right
seat height
Braking distance from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
Interior noise at 50 km/h
at 100 km/h
at 130 km/h
saving consumption
test consumption
Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)
sports consumption
CO2 (test consumption)
Range (test consumption)
The BMW skimps a bit more skilfully thanks to its mild hybrid system. The 19 hp electric motor in the transmission does not make it exceptionally economical either. Less than eight liters of test consumption are still okay in view of the performance in both cases.
More comfort in the B-Class
We also find the dual clutch of the BMW just okay: When starting off and changing direction rather sleepy, the seven-speed gearbox also allowed one or two shift mistakes. On top of that, the constantly changing intensity of recuperation when the accelerator is released is irritating. Sailing with the engine switched off? none.
Which also applies to the unhybridized Mercedes until the upcoming facelift. But its double clutch shifts skilfully now, which can be felt, for example, when starting off on inclines, which is complicated for the transmission. The soft chassis of the B-Class also impresses with more comfort.
Vans with oomph: Over 200 hp and all-wheel drive – these compact vans boast of performance and traction, appearing so very sovereign.
It glides much more relaxed than the taut BMW with its M chassis via manhole covers that are let in well below street level. But the very low-lying B-Class (see photos below) makes a mistake with bottoming out, and the concerns that arise as a result of damaging the underbody limit its suitability for everyday use.
An exciting, because tight race until it comes to the coal. The basic price of the BMW is even more expensive, but the tide is clearly turning when the equipment is adjusted. With a whopping lead of at least 13 points, the Bavarian van leaves its competitor behind. Not uncatchable, they will think in Stuttgart – and they will put a lot of effort into the upcoming facelift.
1. BMW 223i: 539 points
The BMW extends the narrow lead in the property rating to a comfortable victory thanks to lower costs.
2. Mercedes B 250: 527 points
Older, but not left behind by a long way. Especially in terms of operation, the B-Class delivers more convincingly.
