The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a midsize car built from 2011 to 2022 over 2 generations. Between 2008 and 2019 it grew 9 cm longer and gained 120 kg. Engines offered: Electric. Worth buying? It scores near the top of what we track at 4.5/5 — and the year you pick matters far more than the badge (best and worst years →).
What the B-Class is
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a midsize car that Mercedes-Benz built from 2011 to 2022 — 12 model years. Our measurements put it at 2 generations, the current one starting in 2013. It has been offered with Electric power. Its closest siblings in the Mercedes-Benz range: 350, 500, 420.
B-Class generations, and what changed
These boundaries are not copied from a brochure — they fall out of the measurements. Where the B-Class's length or wheelbase jumps between consecutive model years the platform changed: a facelift moves a bumper by centimetres, a new generation moves the whole car — for the B-Class that gives 2 distinct generations below.
| Generation | Length | Wheelbase | Weight | vs previous | Weight change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-2012 | 427 cm | 278 cm | 1355 kg | - | - |
| 2013-2019 | 436 cm | 270 cm | 1475 kg | +9 cm | +120 kg |
Between 2008 and 2019 the B-Class gained 9 cm in length (+2.1%) and 120 kg in weight (+8.9%). Cars did not so much grow as thicken — crash structures, airbags and equipment weigh more than the metal they replaced, and on the B-Class that is 120 kg against 9 cm. Full dimensions by year →
Mercedes-Benz B-Class tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment B-Class owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What engines does the Mercedes-Benz B-Class have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is offered with 1 powertrain — Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain — 1 for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, against one or two on most rivals.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | FWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
The B-Class by the numbers
What the federal and market records say about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Each line opens the full breakdown by year.
| Topic | B-Class | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 11 campaigns | NHTSA, all years |
| Reliability | 4.5 / 5 | Best and worst years |
| Insurance | $1,858/yr | Estimated full coverage |
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class?
The B-Class is a midsize car, built from 2011 to 2022 across 2 generations. Engines offered: Electric.
How many generations does the B-Class have?
2 by our measurements, the latest starting in 2013. We draw the boundaries where length or wheelbase jumps between model years — a facelift moves a bumper, a new generation moves the whole car. Over its life the B-Class grew 9 cm longer and gained 120 kg.
What is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class warranty?
New models carry 4 years / 50,000 miles basic cover and 4 years / 50,000 miles on the powertrain. Worth knowing: across our complaint records the typical car reaches the halfway point of its faults at five years, so most repairs land after the basic warranty ends.
Is the B-Class reliable?
It scores 4.5/5 in our data. The honest answer depends on the year far more than the model — see the best and worst years, and when this car starts to break.
How do I check a specific B-Class?
This page describes the model; it cannot tell you whether that car has an open recall or a branded title. Run its VIN against the records — free, and matched to the exact production run.
More in Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Years | Recalls | Best MPG | ForCar score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 1999–2026 | 75 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 2010–2026 | 143 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 1994–2026 | 213 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 1994–2026 | 176 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1981–1993 | 11 | 26 mpg | 4.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1983–1991 | — | 21 mpg | 4.5/5 |
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