Business Car Manager Verdict
There’s certainly a case for the Mercedes B-Class with its classy, roomy cabin, state-of-the-art safety, and relatively low running costs. Plus the undoubted appeal of perhaps the most prestigious badge in the business.
But from the business car users’ point of view, this top spec B220 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport is not the one to go for.
Look instead at one of the smaller B180 or B200 diesels. The finances of both acquiring and running the car are more attractive and we would avoid the Sport suspension too in the search for a more compliant, composed ride.
We hear the Mercedes B-Class is a hit among certain affluent city dwellers who are downsizing from, say, their M-Class SUVs (you’re getting much the same cabin space but in a more convenient, compact body) and that’s fine.
But at this stage of the game, we’d say, overall, there are more appealing choices out there for the business car user, both in the Mercedes family and elsewhere.
The Low Down…
| Doors and body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine/gearbox | 2.1 litre, 4-cyl turbodiesel, 7-speed auto |
| CO2 Emissions | 120g/km |
| Economy | 61.4mpg |
| Power/torque | 168HP/350Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed | 8.3secs/137mph |
| Insurance group | 25 |
…and what it costs
| P11D Value | £27,825 | |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £348 (3yrs/30,000 miles) | |
| Road tax (VED) | Band C | |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16 | 19%, 20%, 21% | |
| Benefit in kind 2013/14 to 2015/16 | £5287, £5565, £5843 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £802, £67 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1604, £134 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £1057/£88 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £2115/£176 | |
| Figures correct at time of posting | ||
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator | |
