BMW 2 Series F45 vs Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246
BMW 2 Series
F45 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), BMW’s front-wheel-drive MPV.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
W246 · 2011 – 2018
The second-generation B-Class on the MFA platform.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series for a flexible cabin, high seating position and practical premium family motoring.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Pick the B-Class for a high seating position, a big boot and efficient engines in a premium compact MPV.
Performance
B38 218i · Petrol vs M270 B 200 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
156 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
250 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
|
8,4 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
220 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
97,9 hp/t
|
108,7 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
121 g/km
Winner
|
135 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
5,4 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
468 L
|
488 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.510 L
|
1.547 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,70 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,34 m
|
4,39 m
|
| Ground clearance |
16,5 cm
|
13,6 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (transverse) | MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 225xe PHEV | M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel · electric |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Timing chain on early B38 engines
- EGR clogging on B47 diesels
- Cooling system needs checking
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
- 7G-DCT: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
- Early M270 petrol: timing chain risk reported
- Electric B 250 e: battery degradation and limited range
Pros
- Practical, high seating position
- Flexible boot space
- Compact footprint
- 488 L boot growing to ~1,547 L — roomier than a C-segment hatchback
- Proven M270 1.6/2.0 petrol and OM651 2.1 diesel (B 200 CDI: 136 hp / 300 Nm)
- High seating position with optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- B 250 e Electric Drive: 179 hp electric motor with 340 Nm for emission-free driving
Cons
- Firm ride
- Less sporty than the BMW norm
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking at high mileage
- 7G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- COMAND infotainment (no MBUX) feels dated next to the W247
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Comfortable, practical and easy to drive, if not especially involving. The Active Tourer steers lightly and accurately, rides well, and gives a high, upright seating position that suits family duties. Front-drive is the base; xDrive adds traction on the stronger engines. The B38/B48 petrols are smooth and willing, the B47 diesels are the economical distance choice, and the 225xe plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 8-speed automatic is smooth. It is a practical, well-built compact MPV that trades BMW driver involvement for space and versatility.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
High-seated, practical and easy to live with. The W246 rides comfortably enough, steers lightly and accurately, and gives an elevated view that makes town driving and loading children straightforward. The M270 petrols are willing but coarse, the OM651 diesel is the economical choice for distance, and the B 250 e is smooth and silent if its range suits you. The 7-speed dual-clutch is smooth once moving, though hesitant from a standstill. It is a sensible family car, but its refinement and cabin tech lag well behind the W247.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
