2015 Mercedes-Benz B 220 CDI AMG Line 7G DCT review

Mercedes’ badging strategy can be a little confusing at times, with models like the B 180 CDI using a 1.5-litre engine. However, the B 220 CDI is exactly as described, using a 2.2-litre diesel rated at 175bhp, with 258lb ft of torque.

That’s slightly up on the previous model, but emissions have been reduced to 111g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption improves to a combined average of 67.3mpg. There’s no manual option with this engine, so all B 220s come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It’s a drivetrain that provides a decent amount of pace to match the AMG Line’s sporty pretensions. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes 8.3sec and, in theory, it will keep on going to a very un-MPV-like 139mph. Much of the engine’s potential is available from 1400rpm, so overtaking doesn't require a lot of planning.

Disappointingly, performance isn’t matched by refinement. The engine is noisy when pushed and unrefined while idling. Pull up at a set of traffic lights and you will feel a pronounced shudder as the engine’s stop-start system kicks-in, which is then repeated on start-up.

Switch off the stop-start and you'll hear the engine droning away and you'll feel a vibration through the controls.

The transmission doesn’t help smooth things out either. Off the line there’s a noticeable delay in pick-up after pressing the accelerator, as the automated clutch sorts itself out. This lag means it’s all too easy to have the throttle open too wide, so that when the torque does eventually kick-in, the car launches unexpectedly.

The guess work involved makes town driving a far more jerky business than it should be. However, once you're up to speed the engine's noise lessens and the transmission settles, making the B-Class a good cruiser.

As part of the facelift, all B-Classes have a lower centre of gravity and are fitted with a four-link rear suspension set-up, designed to aid stability and improve the ride. AMG Line models go a stage further, with 20mm taken out ride height at the front and 15mm at the rear.

These revisions help it to change direction more quickly than lesser versions, and it doesn’t suffer from too much lean in bends, but the stiffer set-up takes its toll on the ride. It’s noticeably bouncy at times, and you can feel the dampers struggling to control the rebound as the wheels crest vicious bumps. You can also hear it working away underneath you, which ordinarily isn’t something you’d associate with a Mercedes product.

The AMG Line has a variable ratio power steering rack and the Sports Direct-Steer system. There's no feedback through the wheel, but assistance is suitably light at parking speeds and then loads up heavily as you pick-up speed and apply more lock. 

While dynamically the B-Class has its challenges, things improve when you focus your attention to its practicality. In the front there’s masses of leg and head room and a comfortable, upright driving position. It could only be improved by an inch or two more reach for the steering wheel and more lateral support from the seats. The ergonomics are sound and the materials used throughout the cabin match the quality you’d associate with the Mercedes brand.

In the back the headroom remains ample, although taller adults will find their knees pressed into the front seats. Rear passengers also get picnic trays that fold out from the back of the front seats.

The 486-litre boot can’t match the Golf SV’s for size, but you can increase this by sliding the rear seats forward a few inches. However, this is at the expense of rear legroom, which becomes fit for small children only.

To convert the whole of the rear into a cargo bay you only need fold the rear backrests via a tug of a cord, while you can raise the boot’s floor to create a completely flat surface.

The AMG Line comes with an 8in screen controlled with a rotary dial mounted on the centre console. This makes it easier to use on the move than many touchscreen systems, but it’s still not blessed with the functionality of BMW’s iDrive.

Manmade-leather upholstery and Bluetooth are standard, as are safety features such as collision prevention assistance, reversing camera and a new driver fatigue indicator.