Driven: 2019 Mercedes-Benz B200
Last month Mercedes-Benz South Africa launched the all-new B-Class and it was met with significant enthusiasm from their supporters. We got to spend a week with their newest Sports Tourer, the B200. Here’s what you need to know.
The design of the new Mercedes-Benz B200 receives a full refresh. Upfront are new LED lights as standard, but our test unit was fitted with the optional Multibeam headlights that feature daytime running technology and can be quickly adjusted electronically to optimise driver sight. At the back, a new set of two-part LED taillights accentuate the width of the car, with a new black ‘diffuser’ inspired bumper just below. A large rear spoiler completes the sporty look at the rear, paired with a set of gloss black side spoilers on either side of the rear window.
The cabin of the B200 is lifted straight from its brother model, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Upfront is the colossal dual 10,25-inch widescreen display that replaces the infotainment system and the instrument cluster. There is also an optional heads up display if the screens aren’t enough. The aircraft turbine inspired air vents are painted to look like afterburners and give the interior a much sportier ambience. The centre console borrows the gloss black panel and touch-based control pad from the E-Class, allowing the driver to control settings like the 64 colour ambient lighting and the seat climate control.
The interior is also a bit wider, by 33mm to be exact. You can really feel the improvement in elbow room and overall passenger space, which has taken top priority in the B-Class. The lower rear footwell opens up more legroom for rear passengers and the seats are a lot more ergonomic. The seats are available with the new ‘ENERGIZING’ seat kinetics system which makes small adjustments to sections of the seat to improve front passenger posture which I found to be really convenient during long trips. In addition to this, the seats are also electronically adjustable with memory and massage function.
Enough about the comfort. Let’s talk about the tech and driver assistance features, and what’s a better place to start with than the Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system, or MBUX for short. The Artificial Intelligence interface can be summoned by simply saying “Hey Mercedes”, followed by a prompt such as “open the sunroof” or “close the windows”. In addition to voice control, MBUX in the B200 can also be controlled by the touch screen, touchpad in the centre console and the touch controls on either side of the steering wheel. The B-Class features DISTRONIC active distance control, as well as active lane-change assist and active brake assist.
In terms of engine options and performance, the Mercedes-Benz B200 is powered by turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque which is sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The really impressive part of the B200 is its efficiency, boasting a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 4.5-litres/100km on a combined cycle.
Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz B200 – R526,900
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B200 cost in South Africa?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz B200 starts from around R549,900 in South Africa, but expect to pay closer to R620,000 for a well-specced model with the Multibeam headlights and premium interior features.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz B200 worth buying over other premium hatchbacks?
The B200 is absolutely worth considering if you want A-Class tech in a more practical package, offering 33mm more interior width and significantly better rear passenger space than most premium hatchbacks in its class.
Q: What engine does the 2019 B200 have and how powerful is it?
The B200 packs a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, providing enough punch for daily driving while remaining relatively fuel-efficient.
Q: How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz B200 compared to other luxury cars?
Mercedes-Benz generally offers solid reliability with the B200, backed by a comprehensive warranty and established dealer network across South Africa, though maintenance costs will be higher than mainstream brands.
Q: What are the main competitors to the B200 in South Africa?
The B200's main rivals include the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, Audi A3 Sportback, and Volvo V40, with the Mercedes offering superior interior tech but potentially higher running costs.
Should You Buy It?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz B200 is a solid buy if you're after premium family transport with cutting-edge tech. At around R620,000 fully loaded, it delivers A-Class luxury in a more practical Sports Tourer body that actually has decent rear legroom. The dual 10.25-inch screens are genuinely impressive, the build quality feels premium, and those Multibeam headlights are worth every rand if you do regular night driving. However, if you're budget-conscious, the entry-level model at R549,900 still gives you the essential Mercedes experience without breaking the bank. The B200 isn't the sportiest thing on four wheels, but for families wanting German luxury without SUV pricing, it hits the sweet spot perfectly.
