Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class W447

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

W246 · 2011 – 2018

The second-generation B-Class on the MFA platform.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

W447 · 2014 – 2026

The current V-Class (W447), on the rear-wheel-drive W447 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Pick the B-Class for a high seating position, a big boot and efficient engines in a premium compact MPV.

Best engine: The B 200 (petrol) or B 200 CDI (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Pick the V-Class for a roomy, comfortable premium people carrier with flexible seating and strong diesels.

Best engine: The V 250 d (190 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M270 B 200 · Petrol vs V 250 d · Diesel

	Mercedes-Benz B-Class	Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Power	156 hp	190 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	440 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	9,9 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	206 km/h
Power-to-weight	108,7 hp/t Winner	89,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	135 g/km Winner	161 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,4 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz B-Class	Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Boot	488 L	610 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.547 L Winner	1.410 L
Wheelbase	2,70 m	3,20 m Winner
Length	4,39 m	5,14 m
Ground clearance	13,6 cm	15,0 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz B-Class	Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Platform	MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176)	W447 (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel · electric	OM651/OM654 2.0/2.1 diesel · M274/M264 2.0 petrol
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	9G-TRONIC automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

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

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

OM651 chain campaigns (early examples)
9G-TRONIC fluid service
Sliding door / tailgate mechanism

Pros

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

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

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Facelift (2019) brought refined OM654 engines and 9G-TRONIC
4MATIC all-wheel drive on most diesels
Marco Polo camper variant on the same base

Cons

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

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

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Compact variant (610 l) limited with 8 seats
High purchase and running costs (premium)

Driving experience

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.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Big, comfortable and van-like by design. The V-Class steers lightly with little feedback, rides smoothly enough for its size, and feels tall and commanding from behind the wheel, with a huge glasshouse and good visibility. Rear-drive is standard and 4MATIC adds traction, but this is a people carrier, not a car to hurry. The V 250d and V 300d diesels pull strongly and stay reasonably hushed, and the 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is built to carry up to eight in comfort over long distances, and it does exactly that.