Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £9,800

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2011-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Unusually cheap to buy for a premium-badged car	Dull looks and bland to drive
Lots of cabin space	Sportier models have a very firm ride
Affordable running costs	Not as clever inside as the best MPVs

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2011-2018) is a spacious and well-built family hatchback that prioritises practicality and comfort over driving excitement. This second-generation model features sharper styling than its predecessor, improved interior quality, and a more comfortable driving experience. With generous headroom, legroom, and a 486-litre boot expandable to 1,545 litres with rear seats folded, it offers excellent space for families. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, whilst light steering makes town driving effortless.

The B-Class emphasises refinement and relaxed motorway cruising rather than sporty handling. Petrol models achieve around 50mpg in careful driving, whilst diesels exceed 60mpg on longer journeys. Insurance costs are reasonable for a premium-badged car, and servicing is straightforward through Mercedes-Benz dealers or independent specialists. With most models having depreciated significantly, the B-Class represents excellent value as a used buy. Choose the right engine and trim level, buy carefully, and maintain routinely for dependable, comfortable motoring for years to come.

Best for: Family buyers seeking a spacious, well-built premium car at affordable used prices, those prioritising comfort and practicality over driving dynamics, and buyers wanting excellent visibility and easy manoeuvrability.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking an exciting or engaging drive, those wanting the most innovative interior design, or buyers unwilling to accept a firmer ride on sportier AMG Line models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the B-Class if: You're seeking a spacious, well-built premium family car at affordable used prices, prioritising comfort and practicality over driving dynamics, or wanting excellent visibility and easy manoeuvrability.

Consider alternatives if: You desire an exciting or engaging drive, want the most innovative interior design, or prefer a softer ride on all trim levels.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2011-2018) offers genuine appeal as a practical family car with a premium badge at affordable used prices. Whilst it may not match rivals like the Volkswagen Touran for versatility or the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer for driving engagement, its combination of spacious cabin, solid build quality, comfortable driving position and excellent visibility make it a sensible choice for family buyers. The B-Class has become more appealing with age, offering dependable and comfortable motoring for those prioritising practicality and refinement over excitement.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.