Test drive Mercedes B-Class, BMW Active Tourer: don't forget us
A wave of SUV models has dulled demand for compact vans, but there is light in the tunnel
The comparison with the BMW Series 2 Active Tourer recalled the advantages of these vehicles.
Statistics is like kneading dough - you can always adapt it to your needs. You press here and there, you stretch more, and all the bumps are smoothed out. If we subtract from our statistics what we need at the moment, we will find that 57 of our readers this year will become mothers and fathers for the first time or next. And about 000 new and existing grandparents will logically be added to them.
Of course, these values in themselves are not very important, but the two statistical groups described are in fact the targets for the cars in question in this comparative test. Since 2014, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has been bringing dynamism to family life. The Mercedes B-Class for its part, is already in its third edition. Although it is the same length and width as the A-Class and shares its technological backbone, this car is not just a derivative of it, with ten centimeters higher seats and more luggage space. To a much greater extent than before, the B-Class is positioned as a separate and unique Mercedes. It is – here many traditionalists will object – a true successor to the T-Model W 123. Of course, much of the car's technological qualities are focused on functionality. An example of this is the luggage compartment with a volume of 445 to 1530 liters, the possibilities of which have recently become even more flexible, including a three-segment rear seat. Also available as an option is a rail-mounted rear seat that can move within a range of 14 cm, as well as a reclining passenger backrest for the driver. Surfers or just family people who want to move the Christmas tree or wardrobe door in case of repair can tell about the benefits of such a thing.
The Active Tourer has a rear seat offset of 13 cm and many of the adjustment options are not new. For a minimal fee, you can order the remote release of the rear seat backrests (adjustable in tilt), which automatically fold down using a tensioned spring. Thanks to all this, at this stage the BMW model gains an advantage over Mercedes in terms of functionality. However, both vehicles offer comfortable spaces and plenty of storage space. While BMW emphasizes discreet solidity, the B-Class looks modern and high-quality. This is facilitated by door inserts, wider upholstered seats and a large roller shutter console between the seats, thanks to the shift lever located on the steering wheel in the automatic version.
Both large dashboard screens fit perfectly into the modernist scene. The infotainment and seat control functions can be found in the menu on the right screen. The two touch buttons on the steering wheel can be used to adjust both the instrument display behind it and to operate the menu on the touchscreen monitor. And yes, there is a very sensitive touchpad between the seats. Many functions, such as the color of the instrument display or the deactivation of the head-up display, can be activated using voice control, which is activated by pressing a button or the command "Hello Mercedes".
The fact is that the abundance of management options does not simplify the task. The new MBUX system from Mercedes has advanced functionality and a variety of menus. Some of the features sound great - like the fact that the front camera image appears next to the navigation map with arrows pointing to the destination to make things easier for the driver. But due to the lack of a visor above the monitors, bright sunlight often makes it difficult to read.
BMW retains the classic configuration with hands and scales for the speedometer and tachometer, while the head-up display shows information on a small plexiglass screen. Although the number of integrated functions in iDrive has grown significantly, their structure is easy to navigate, and for some of them, for example for operating help systems, there are also separate buttons for direct access.
It is worth noting that both bathtubs provide good visibility and visibility, and child seats are easily attached to Isofix elements - in BMW, including the driver's seat. On the other hand, the rear seat of the Bavarian model is not as comfortable or as precise as the Mercedes sofa. So, it's finally time to go anyway...
Great drive
By pressing the start button on the B 200 d, we activate a completely new drive. Here, the variant with the transverse installation of the two-liter OM 654 diesel engine with the q index is combined with a completely new two-disc transmission. Unlike its seven-speed counterpart used in weaker gasoline engines, this unit has eight gears. The first seven provide good dynamics of the car, and the extra-long eighth is responsible for reducing fuel consumption at high speeds. The dry lubricated gearbox handles 520 Nm of torque, weighs 3,6 kg less than the previous one, and shifts faster and more accurately thanks to optimized control. While in the first test of the A-Class in the 200-liter petrol version 1,3 we were not particularly impressed with the way it shifts the seven-speed gearbox, now we are pleasantly impressed. The Euro 6d engine revs evenly and steadily, and the fact that it reaches a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1400 rpm and 150 hp at 3400 rpm, allows the transmission to upshift earlier and precisely in place. So, instead of rushing, the ride offers calm and balance and accelerates quietly, confidently and comfortably.
The silence is aided by the fact that with a flow factor of 0,24, the car glides smoothly through the air without making much noise. Thanks to the adaptive dampers, the B 200 d overcomes bumps without any problems and maintains a relatively good level of comfort even in sport mode. Engineers designed the B-Class to be a more comfortable version of the A-Class and adjusted the suspension and steering less directly (the latter's gear ratio is 16,8:1 instead of 15,4:1). However, this does not detract from steering feedback, and the B 200 d corners almost as accurately as larger rear-wheel drive models - not as provocatively spontaneous, but smooth and balanced, with a precisely measured dose of said feedback. and finely tuned accuracy. . Even though the Mercedes leans more than the BMW, it stays neutral longer in corners, drives more safely and stops more convincingly.
Family transport
The Active Tourer has a sharper and more active character. This is especially noticeable in handling. The steering system is more responsive, instantaneous, requires more power to turn the steering wheel and provides more information about the road - in fact, as you would expect from BMW. On long-distance roads, the steering system and more restless movement of the rear when changing dynamic loads make cornering behavior more agile. However, the firm suspension may seem fitting for a BMW, but in practice, comfort increases even before you turn on the adaptive dampers' sport mode. During long trips on the highway, hard and more dynamic settings are annoying, the steering feels hectic, and the movement in the desired direction is unstable. Despite the same measured noise values, the Active Tourer is subjectively louder in the air.
The presence of a motor also has a brighter sound expression. The Euro 6d-Temp compliant engine speeds up the heart and inspires confidence. While the smaller petrol version and the 218d version are available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, more powerful models rely on an eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission. It also responds spontaneously, shifting softly and precisely, but offers no benefits in terms of comfort. And also in terms of fuel consumption - BMW with a consumption of 6,8 l / 100 km consumes ten percent more than Mercedes.
The latter also has advantages in terms of driver assistance systems, some of which are not included in much higher-end cars. After all, the Mercedes model wins here too, filling the annals of another important statistic – according to it, the new B-Class wins 100 per cent of all road and sports vehicle tests in which it has competed. Not bad for parents!
CONCLUSION
1. Mercedes
Recently even more flexible, the B-Class offers exceptional comfort, a high level of safety, an efficient ride and better connectivity. Function control is a little tricky.
2. BMW
As always, extremely dynamic and yet flexible enough, the practical model, however, neglects comfort. Lagging behind in help systems.
Text: Sebastian Renz
Photo: Ahim Hartmann
