Mercedes B-Class MPV - MPG, running costs & CO2

The B-Class was available in plug-in hybrid form, but Mercedes appears to have opted for a simplified line-up for the facelifted version, sticking with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines.

Mercedes B-Class MPG & CO2

Buyers of the facelifted B-Class don’t have too many options, with just one petrol and diesel engine to choose from. The B 200 is the petrol, and features a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid motor. This harnesses some energy as you drive, which can be used to take a bit of strain off the petrol engine. The result is up to 46.3mpg with CO2 emissions from 138g/km.

The B 220 d is fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, returning up to 55.4mpg and emitting from 135g/km of CO2 for a fairly high Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for company car drivers.

Business drivers used to be enamoured by the B 250 e plug-in hybrid, because its electric motor and battery pack give it a zero-emissions range of up to 42 miles before the petrol engine kicks in. This elevates its fuel economy to 235mpg, while slashing CO2 emissions to 27g/km, for a very low BiK band, but it hasn’t been confirmed for UK showrooms in facelifted form. Charging at its maximum of 7.4kW can replenish the battery in just over an hour, while topping up with a domestic plug takes around 5.5 hours.

The B-Class will cost the standard rate per year in VED (road tax), unless you get carried away with the options list and take the price of your car through the £40,000 barrier. If this happens, your car will face an annual road tax surcharge, making the total rather expensive the first five times your road tax is due. It will, however, revert to standard rate from the sixth time it's taxed. The plug-in hybrid incurs the discounted rate from year two onwards. 

Insurance

Before its facelift, the Mercedes B-Class started in insurance group 19 for the B 180 d, while the B 220 d sat in a rather high group – 30 out of 50. The petrol B 180 Sport was in group 22, while the B 200 found itself in group 25.

Servicing

Every Mercedes car requires a service annually or every 15,500 miles – whichever occurs first. You can take out a service plan to cover two, three of four services, paid either in a single lump sum or on a monthly basis. This makes it easier to budget for routine maintenance, as a workshop visit can vary in cost depending on whether an interim 'A' or major 'B' service is due, and whether mileage-dependent items like fuel and air filter replacement are necessary.

Warranty

Mercedes supplies every UK car with a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty, which can be extended at extra cost when it expires. It's worth noting that Mercedes extended warranties are subject to certain exclusions, particularly when it comes to body and engine seals and electrical wiring.