A number of small but effective changes, outside and in, add a little more ‘class’ to the B.
Should I buy one?
Mercedes currently has four compact cars in India (if you count the bonkers CLA 45 AMG) based on its front-wheel drive MFA platform, and though the commonality is that they all deliver proper luxury in a smaller form, each has a slightly different appeal. The B-class fits into this line-up neatly between the A-class and the GLA-class. It’s the more practical alternative to the A-class, offering more cabin and boot space, without you having to move up to the GLA crossover. It’s clear that the current car doesn’t have quite the same ‘emotional appeal’ as the other two, purely by virtue of its body style, and that’s where this facelift tries to improve things. Sadly the exterior changes don’t seem substantial enough to alter the perception of this car, and you’d have to really be familiar with the look of the old car to spot the differences. On the interior is where all the difference is made, and owners - the ones that actually spend time inside the car - will appreciate the slight improvements, which do well to raise the level of perceived luxury a little bit. We know some of the high-tech safety systems are off the cards, but we do hope Mercedes specs up the car well with equipment when it is launched in India next year - especially that new COMAND screen. All said and done, part of the B-class’s competition in India still comes from its own impressive siblings, and while choosing it over the others is still a matter of your requirements from a compact luxury car, the facelift will certainly make it a more appealing choice.
GAVIN D'SOUZA