2023 Mercedes B-Class facelift starts from £35,100

• Updated safety package
• Latest MBUX infotainment software
• Prices start from £35,100

The Mercedes B-Class has received various updates, including the latest MBUX infotainment, optimised charging, and a reprofiled nose. The third generation of Mercedes’ small MPV has been refreshed alongside the smaller Mercedes A-Class it shares many parts with. This update should keep the B-Class competitive against a narrowing list of rivals – including the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Volkswagen Touran – as manufacturers increasingly concentrate on SUVs instead.

Styling changes are concentrated at the front, where there’s a reprofiled front grille and bumper, along with a redesigned pair of optional LED headlights. There are also aerodynamic changes to improve efficiency, such as flush wheels, although the updated B-Class will be available with a choice of four optional wheel designs in sizes up to 19-inches. Small spoilers have been attached to the rear window for a further reduction in drag.

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Trim options will start with Sport Executive, followed by AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, and a limited production Launch Edition. Prices across the range haven't been confirmed although a starting price of £35,100 has been announced for the B 200 in entry Sport Executive trim.

Inside, the new B-Class gets a dual-screen display with a seven-inch digital instrument screen and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. This can be upgraded to a pair of 10.25-inch screens, but both systems get improved ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation so drivers can keep their hands on the new flat-bottom steering wheel. An improved and simplified MBUX infotainment system should ease functionality and user experience, while the interior design has been refined to offer less clutter with the removal of the rotary controller.

Mercedes has electrified the entire petrol range with either mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology. The plug-in model benefits from improved charging, boosting it from 3.7kW to 11kW AC, whereas a range of 3.7-7.4kW was previously possible. DC charging takes the new system up to 22kW, meaning a top-up from 10-80% will take just 25 minutes. The electric motor has also had a small increase in power output so car buyers upgrading from the previous model may feel the new plug-in hybrid B-Class is more eager on the road than before.

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Mild-hybrid petrol models include the 1.3-litre found in the B 180 and B 200, or two 2.0-litre petrol options with all-wheel drive in the B 220 and B 250 4MATIC. Diesel options are limited to a 2.0-litre engine fitted to the B 180 d, B 200 d and B 220 d with increasing power outputs.

An updated lane-keep assist function along with active steering control aims to improve safety and 100% recycled materials have been used for the centre section of the 'comfort'-style seats, in a bid to reduce emissions in manufacturing.

Check out our best plug-in hybrid cars here