Vehicle: 2009 Mercedes B200 Turbo with Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg, Bi-Xenon headlight Pkg and Entertainment Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$43175

Performance: The B-Class remains available with 2 different powertrains. The base B200 is powered by an uninspiring 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with 134hp and 132 lb/ft of torque. Or you can upgrade to our tester: the uplevel B200 Turbo. As its designation noted, its basically the same 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with a turbocharger. This extra forced induction really makes the B-Class does. As it transformed the car from a rather uninspiring and boring drive into a more rewarding driving experience. 193 horses and 206 lb/ft torque, which is 59 more hp and 74 more lb/ft of torque truly make a world of difference even in a crossover. The throttle response is decently quick. Thanks to the optional CVT gearbox. B200 Turbo also got a delightful gas mileage. We averaged 8.3 liters per 100km during our initial day with the vehicle. All have done without the usual turbo lag, as the turbo spools up efficiently and quickly at 1800rpm all the way up to 4850rpm.

Handling: If you are going to buy a B200 Turbo, make sure you opt for the optional sports package. This package consists of 17″ wheels and sports suspension that have made the B a much better driving car. Although in the same price range, B’s dynamic abilities are far from entertaining, as we have witnessed with A3 Sportback. The stiffer suspension, springs and shocks all have given this B much better driving abilities. The steering has quicker steering ratio, which means the steering feels sharper and not as numb as the earlier car. While you still got a lot of body rolls, as expect from a crossover, it isn’t as overexaggerated as in the base B without sports suspension nor earlier models. Mercedes should have launched the sports package earlier in B’s lifecycle. On the other hand, the ride is compliant and supple with the usual comfort one expects from a Mercedes-Benz. ESP remains instrusive type. But at least in the process of going through twisties, this B sports has got a much improved driving experience before it steps in.

Brakes: As one expects from a Mercedes, braking performance never disappoints. The stopping distance is short and sure-footness, while the pedal feel solid and reassuring. Add electronic braking force distribution and brake assist to the mix, and you rounded up the whole dynamic package.

Interior: With both sports and premium packages in our tester, the B Turbo got a very supportive leather/cloth seats that provide decent support. While the automatic climate control is a truly effective unit. Mercedes has upgraded the interior materials in the whole B-Class range. That means the plastic is much softer to the touch and finally worthy of the Mercedes nameplate.

The most impressive aspect is B’s cargo space. With the seats up, it got 544 liters. With the seats fold down, it got 1530 liters. Its also nicely layout with privacy cover and all the cubbyholes.

Conclusion: The 2009 B-Class is a much better car than the one it replaces. Not only does it handles decently, especially if you opt for the sports package. The interior is nicely attired with all the luxurious features you possibly want in a Mercedes-Benz, plus that amazing cargo utility.

Here lies the rough. The B200 Turbo starts at $34k which seems like a good value. But if you add both premium and sports packages plus CVT, it could go up to $38k without even have Xenon headlight. The price climbs very quickly as you add up all the option packages, that could escalate into C230 range, which is a more attractive and better driving car than the B200 Turbo.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Mercedes B200 Turbo
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 4/5