Mercedes B Class B CDI exterior

Mercedes Benz B Class B180 CDI Diesel Road Test Review: Bang for Buck!

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (25)

The Mercedes B180 CDI diesel embodies some of the most desirable qualities for the Indian market in a liberal measure. Big space, great fuel efficiency, fab interiors and a small price tag –entry level buyers in premium segment will have to find a really good reason to overlook this one…

Words and images: Amit Chhangani

Is there something more to the B-Class diesel than a different engine?

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (15)

You’d be surprised when we start pointing out the differences. There is a whole lot more to this car than just a different engine, all of which comes together to make this particular version of the B-class a hot buy in its segment. That holds especially true for India. More on that later, but for now, what you should know is that the B-Class diesel is more than just an engine variant.

Feed me with some fodder on that engine first

Well, to start with, that label on the tail-gate may read 180 CDI, but like in the case of most other confusing nomenclatures in the modern auto world, you would be wrong to assume that powering this big hatch is a 1.8 liter engine. Under the bonnet you have a 2143cc (not sure whether we should call it a 2.1 or a 2.2 liter. Or should we call it a 2.15 liter?) turbo charged engine. This engine has been around doing duty on those 220CDI Mercs for some time now. But here, on the B-class it produces a rather low 107 bhp @ 3200 rpm (1.6 liter diesels on some mainstream cars are producing more power these days) and 250 Nm of peak torque at a very low 1400 rpm.

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (33)

While absolute output figures may not be too enticing, where the engine scores, really, is in terms of linear power delivery and smoothness. It pulls cleanly from low revs in a very refined manner before getting a little noisy towards the upper extreme of the rev range.

Wait, do you mean to say that it’s low on performance?

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (13)

By no means! The B-class is essentially a compact MPV, and by that yardstick, the engine’s quite punchy. An 11 sec 0-100 sprint doesn’t tell the complete story, as in-gear acceleration and overtaking capability on this car is quite good for the real world use. A top whack of close to 190km/h takes some time, but cruising at 120 kays (upto 150) is no sweat. Beyond this the engine does feel a little huffy but that’s all the speed you need to drive (very) swiftly (and legally) in the real world.

What you get as a reward for the slight tradeoff in power is very good fuel efficiency. The B-class boasts an ARAI certified 18.98 kmpl efficiency figure, which can translate into a 14-15kmpl in-city and 16-17 kmpl highway figure in practical use. Some of the credit should also go to the very efficient and slick DCT dual clutch system that controls the transmission of power very intelligently.

Last time you drove the car you said it handles brilliantly, has anything changed?

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (5)

The B-class does come across as a fantastically well balanced and fun to drive car, especially for an MPV with FWD layout. The B180 Blue Efficiency petrol indeed managed to surprise us with its poise and balance while being driven around the inviting twisties leading to Aamby valley.

In its diesel avatar, the B-class gets a tad less aggressive in terms of handling, and has its focus more towards ride quality and comfort. What has happened, essentially, is that unlike the petrol variant, the diesel version rides on smaller 16 inch wheels with higher profile (55) tyres. The petrol version, on the other hand in its Sport trim gets 17 inchers with lo-pro (45) rubber. This makes the primary suspension on the B-class softer, and it’s quite evident in the way it handles sharper bumps – it’s much more silent and composed over them.

Mercedes B Class B180 CDI exterior (27)

The good news is the suspension itself is pretty stiffly sprung even now, lending the B-Class it’s still laudable poise around bends. The slightly softer ride hasn’t taken much away from the fun to drive appeal of the B-class. It’s still an appreciably well balanced and sure footed machine around the bends, especially for an MPV body type.

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