In a sea of crossovers and SUVs of all sizes, minivans are mostly seen as a rare oddity. However, Mercedes stuck with its B-Class by providing a mild update to its compact family of carriers for 2023. This change is meant to keep the third-generation model fresh against the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. In accordance with the A-Class facelift which was also introduced today, the changes are not immediately visible.
The “Sports Tourer” as described by Mercedes gets optionally revised headlights offered with LEDs and a quietly updated grille. We were told that the front bumper and taillights have also been modified, but there’s nothing to write about. There are four new options for alloy wheels, measuring up to 19 inches. Choose the AMG Line model and it can be had with glossy black alloy wheels with a multi-spoke configuration.
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A total of 10 solid or metallic paints are available, but if none of these pique your taste buds, the B-Class can have a custom color for an additional fee. The interior remains essentially the same, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the MBUX complemented by a standard 7-inch instrument cluster or an optional 10.25-inch display.
Mercedes has installed a new Nappa leather steering wheel as standard, which can be heated for the first time on the AMG equipment variant. The entry-level trim also gets a better rearview camera, USB Package and seats while the more expensive build adds new color combinations for the seats as well as a star pattern.
There is only one change under the hood where the plug-in hybrid model known as the revised B250e gas electric motor produces an additional 7 hp 5 kW, now at 107 hp (80 kW), thus mirroring the 2023 A250e. The battery can now be charged with alternating current up to 11 kW and via DC connection at 22 kW, which takes 25 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent.
Now that the A-Class hatchback/sedan and B-Class minivan are out, the mechanically linked CLA and CLA Shooting Brake are likely to follow soon with a series of barely noticeable changes.
