BMW 2 Series F45 vs Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247
BMW 2 Series
F45 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), BMW’s front-wheel-drive MPV.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
W247 · 2018 – 2026
The third-generation B-Class on the MFA2 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 M282 B 200 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
163 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
250 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
|
8,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
223 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
97,9 hp/t
|
108,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
121 g/km
Winner
|
145 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
468 L
Winner
|
455 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.510 L
|
1.540 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,73 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,34 m
|
4,42 m
|
| Ground clearance |
16,5 cm
|
10,4 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) | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) |
| 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 | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed 7G-DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue / NOx sensor faults and DPF clogging more common on short trips
- 7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported
- 4MATIC differential can show noise/wear at high mileage
Pros
- Practical, high seating position
- Flexible boot space
- Compact footprint
- High seating position with a 455 L boot growing to ~1,540 L — roomier than a C-segment hatchback
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (B 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.2 L/100 km)
- MFA2 platform shared with the A-Class W177, with MBUX dual-screen and optional 4MATIC
- B 250 e plug-in hybrid: 218 hp system output and 450 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
- Firm ride
- Less sporty than the BMW norm
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue / NOx sensor faults and DPF clogging more common on short trips
- 7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported
- 4MATIC differential can show noise/wear at high mileage
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
Comfortable, quiet and far more modern than the W246. The W247 rides with better isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and keeps its high seating position without the body roll of the old car. The M282/M260 petrols are smooth and eager, the OM654 diesel is the long-distance pick, and the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch is smoother than before. It is a more grown-up, better-built family car than the W246, with MBUX tech and a cabin that finally feels like a proper Mercedes.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
