I like cars that don’t quite fit into the usual mould, and Mercedes’ B-Class fitting that description perfectly. Call it a tall wagon,

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a crossover SUV, or an MPV as they like to in Europe, but just don’t call it inflexible. It’s one part style, one part sport, and at least two parts utility, our Canadian-spec B250 a fabulously functional compact that attracts busy families as easily as active empty nesters.

I have a confession. I didn’t like the B-Class all that much the year it was introduced, but Mercedes addressed most of my complaints the following year and I soon began to appreciate its many merits. As for this latest iteration, it’s so dramatically improved I’ve become an unabashed fan. From styling to interior quality, features to the way it drives, the second-generation B250 4Matic Sports Tourer I recently tested is a true testament to why Mercedes’ is the auto industry’s bestselling luxury marque.

You

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can tell a lot about a brand’s core values when spending time with its entry-level value leader. That’s the B’s position in the Canadian market, one step below the stylish and sporty albeit nowhere near as versatile CLA, and a number of steps up from the tiny little Smart city car that can be purchased through Mercedes dealerships. B-Class pricing starts at $31,700 plus freight and dealer fees for the front-drive B250 and $34,000 for the B250 4Matic, making it one of the most affordable premium branded cars in Canada, but believe me this car isn’t just about being the cheapest way to get three-pointed star bragging rights on the grille, as it really lives up to M-B’s revered credentials.

It starts with a stylish tall wagon/crossover shape that’s fronted by a classic SL-inspired

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grille, intricately detailed LED-enhanced headlamps, a sporty black mesh ducted lower fascia, trademark scalloped turn signals on each mirror cap, upswept bodyside creases, elegant LED-infused taillights, tasteful chrome and satin aluminum trim all-round, plus twinned five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels at each corner, while the B’s interior pampers with high quality soft touch synthetics across the dash top and the entirety of each door panel from top to bottom, while the door inserts are comfortably padded with Artico pleather that matches up to a similar treatment with contrast stitching for the armrests.

Metal trim highlights key areas with a thick engine-turned inlay running across the instrument panel that’s dotted with satin silver-rimmed air vents along the way, while

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all of the B’s switchgear is up to Mercedes’ usual high standard. Ditto for the electronic interfaces, a large colour multi-information display positioned between the otherwise beautifully detailed analog primary gauges, plus an extremely high resolution full-colour tablet-style infotainment display jutting out from the dash top at centre. High-grade woven roofliner fabric stretches down to cover the A-pillars (my loaner’s black instead of standard grey), while most of that roof opens up via an expansive optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof with a powered front panel and sunshade. Quality, refinement and layout is pure Mercedes-Benz, as is the cabin’s overall sense of occasion.

It really does come across as special, while it’s ergonomically ideal, its driving position slightly taller than a traditional car yet not as lofty as a regular SUV, the B

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finding a balance that certainly benefits drivability. It starts with hip-height access via large, wide doors, continues to impress with an easy reach to all controls, is enhanced by superb visibility through all windows, and gets supported by form-fitting 10-way manual adjustable front seats.

The rear seating area is finished just as nicely and almost as comfortably, with plenty of space in all directions. I found approximately four to five inches above my head and six to seven ahead of my knees when the driver’s seat was positioned for my five-foot-eight frame, while the seats themselves were particularly supportive for the lower back. With only two abreast in back you can fold down a wide padded centre armrest featuring a fancy set of flip-out cupholders that don’t get in the way of resting forearms.

After

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taking in the beautiful chromed protector plate atop the bumper, a large liftgate opens up to a wide, flat, very roomy cargo area behind the rear seats, which can be hidden from prying eyes by a scrolling cover extracted from a very sturdy removable cross member. Below the cargo floor is a large carpeted compartment where a spare tire could be housed, although the B rides on runflats. Just above, more luxurious carpeting flows up the sidewalls and seatbacks, while a handy emergency kit is housed in the right side of two cargo wall compartments. Expanding its 488 litres (17.2 cubic feet) to a maximum of 1,547 litres (54.6 cubic feet) comes via 60/40-split rear seatbacks, leaving a flat, voluminous loading space, or alternatively for narrower long loads like skis you can keep rear passengers in the outboard seats and use a narrow centre pass-through. It’s a smart

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design that incorporates a small door that swings sideways before magnetically clamping onto the backside of the seat to stay out of the way, but I must admit 40/20/40-split seatbacks would prove much more accommodating.

I noted the B’s form-fitting 10-way adjustable front seats a moment ago, but even this description hardly do them justice. The leather-like upholstery, which is also available in grey or beige, feels genuine, while the cushions are unusually soft like a pillow yet still manage to support in all the right places. The B’s suspension is even more comforting, the words “floating on air” actually escaping my lips when describing it to my partner who was riding shotgun at the time. This is a Mercedes trademark unless upping hardware to AMG specification, the B one of few Classes not upgradable to supercar levels of performance, but don’t be too quick to judge it as slow.

Only

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one state of tune is available in our market, the B250 incorporating a 2.0-litre turbo with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the latter from just 1,200 rpm, which when combined with its seven-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles results in spirited performance off the line and plenty of passing power at highway speeds. My 4Matic enhanced version took to fast-paced corners with verve too, the B’s wide track and relatively long wheelbase making for smooth, stable and predictably composed handling while its ride continued to provide a level of compliance few small cars can match. The turning circle isn’t Smart car small, but it’s certainly easy enough to maneuver around tight parking garages, the B250’s aforementioned ride height joined by large mirrors, a rearview camera with active guidelines plus available front and rear parking sonar for total dimensional awareness.

When

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coming to a halt you’ll likely notice the auto start/stop system shutting down the engine, although it’s quite quiet when doing so as well as when instantly rebooting, this standard feature joining other fuel saving technologies to help the B250 eke out a commendable 9.2 L/100km city and 6.6 highway rating in FWD guise or 10.0 and 7.0 respectively with AWD.

Fuel economy in mind our friends to the south can’t get the B250, but I wouldn’t gloat too quickly because the U.S. market has access to the full electric B250e instead, a zero emissions alternative that’s good for 85 MPGe (2.7 Le/100km) city and 82 MPGe (2.8) highway. As for when we might get that ultra-clean model here, no announcement has been made.

As it is the gasoline powered B250 is one of the greener luxury models available here,

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especially when compared to other crossovers, the multi-information display mentioned earlier featuring an eco display to prompt more efficient driving, along with the usual real-time and average consumption info, range details, etcetera, all accessible via a set of arrows on the left steering wheel spoke. Push the horizontal arrows and you’ll also find navigation, audio, telephone, driver-assist, servicing, and vehicle settings info, while much of these functions are duplicated in more detail on the centre stack-mounted infotainment screen that’s controllable by a rotating dial and quick access buttons on the lower console. It’s a graphically attractive design within an intuitively laid out interface, upgradable to include enhanced iPhone connectivity via Apple CarPlay if you order the $1,700 Versatility package or as-tested $3,800 Premium package.

I

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use a Samsung phone that unfortunately can’t be integrated with IOS systems, the B-Class so far leaving the majority of smartphone users in the technological dark ages by not including Android Auto, but the package also adds the aforementioned black fabric roofliner and panoramic sunroof, dual-zone auto HVAC, a rearview camera, navigation, DVD player and passive blindspot assist.

Of note the Versatility package includes a powered driver’s seat with powered lumbar support, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, the latter also power-folding, a universal garage door opener, and a rear storage system dubbed Easy Vario Plus that adds a flat-folding front passenger seat, fore and aft sliding rear seats, a height-adjustable cargo floor, and more.

A $1,500 Sport package is also on the menu with an AMG styling package, 18-inch

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AMG alloys, sport brakes, lowered suspension, direct steering, AMG floor mats, black leather upholstery, and carbon-look trim, while additional options include partial LED headlamps for $900, keyless proximity access for $700, satellite radio for $475 and parking assist for $900.

The standard equipment list including items already mentioned as well as auto on/off headlamps, powered heatable side mirrors, an electromechanical parking brake, pushbutton ignition, a particularly attractive Nappa leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitoring, the usual active and passive safety features including attention assist, collision prevention assist plus, adaptive brake with hold function, airbags for both front occupants’ knees, plus ultra-rigid passenger safety cell construction.

While

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all this is good, I would have liked to see a number of options made available that are already offered by its luxury peers, not to mention some lesser volume brands’ fully equipped compact models, such as adaptive cruise control, head-up display, cooled front seats, heatable rear seats, rear heating controls, rear sunshades, a powered liftgate, etc.

Just the same the B-Class is such a good, honest and capable vehicle that I couldn’t help but like it, and while its overall sensibility speaks in absolute clarity to the practical side of my brain it’s also wonderfully comfortable and a joy to drive. That’s a rare combination of qualities in any class let alone the most affordable compact segment, so it deserves its many accolades as well as your attention.
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