Mercedes B-Class MPV (2012-2018) - Interior & comfort

The Mercedes B-Class is available in three trims: SE, Exclusive Edition and the range-topping AMG Line version. All have a decent amount of equipment and a long-lasting, high-quality interior.

Driver comfort is excellent, with a wide range of seat adjustment available to help you find the perfect position. Thanks to a raised seating position and a large glazed area, all-round visibility is impressive, making the car easy to drive – and to park.

The B-Class has reasonably soft suspension, so the ride is more comfortable than in most MPVs. However, the AMG Line model has stiffer suspension and larger alloy wheels, which have a noticeable effect when driving over poor road surfaces.

The diesel models are a bit loud and their noise intrudes inside more than we'd like. On the upside, there's little wind noise at motorway speeds.

Mercedes B-Class dashboard

Mercedes SLS-style metal air vents decorate the sweeping dashboard and look great, as do the redesigned steering wheel and instrument dials.

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Most of the multimedia systems are controlled by an iPad-style colour display. At seven or eight inches (depending on trim level) the screen is larger and clearer to see than in the old model. It looks great, but isn't as easy to use as the systems found in BMWs and Audis.

The heating controls are positioned quite low down in the cabin and the buttons are rather small, so you sometimes have to take your eyes off of the road to adjust the temperature and controls.

While the column-mounted stalk for controlling the automatic gearbox is simple to use and frees up space on the centre console, it does take some getting used to, as the stalk is positioned where you'd expect to find the windscreen wiper controls. Once you’ve driven the car for a while though, using it becomes second nature.

Equipment

Every Mercedes B-Class comes with a raft of equipment, while models fitted with Comand Online include a clever Mercedes Me system that allows the owner to check the car's fuel level and tyre pressures on their smartphone, as well lock and unlock it remotely. The basic SE models have air-conditioning, a reversing camera, a leather steering wheel and Collision Prevention Assist Plus as standard.

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Upgrade to the Exclusive Edition model and you'll also get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, different driving modes and automatic wipers. Inside, there are also heated leather seats, an eight-inch display with sat nav and climate control.

In top-range AMG Line models, the interior is fitted with man-made leather and Alcantara suede fabric, as well as a few other nice touches – the steering wheel looks more sporty, and there's some stylish stitching. The outside looks sportier too, thanks to a styling kit and 18-inch AMG wheels.

Options

We recommend the panoramic glass sunroof, which introduces more light into the already-airy cabin. AMG alloy wheels are a nice touch too, as are the metallic paint shades, which add extra style to an already upmarket package

Try to avoid the dark colour options such as brown, because you'll limit the car's appeal when you come to sell. Silvers and especially bright red on the AMG Line are desirable, and can make the car easier to sell on.

A Premium Package costs around £1,700 and adds automatic parking, heated seats, sat nav, LED headlamps and dimming mirrors, which we think represents pretty good value for money.