Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 vs Renault Espace MK5
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
W246 · 2011 – 2018
The second-generation B-Class on the MFA platform.
Renault Espace
MK5 · 2015 – 2023
The fifth Espace (MK5), a large MPV on the CMF-CD platform.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Pick the B-Class for a high seating position, a big boot and efficient engines in a premium compact MPV.
Renault Espace
Pick the Espace for a very roomy, comfortable seven-seat MPV with strong engines.
Performance
M270 B 200 · Petrol vs 1.8 TCe 225 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
156 hp
|
225 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
|
7,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
220 km/h
|
224 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
108,7 hp/t
|
136,4 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
135 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,4 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
488 L
|
680 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.547 L
|
2.100 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,70 m
|
2,88 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,39 m
|
4,86 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,6 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,0 m
Winner
|
11,1 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
1.850 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel · electric | 1.6 TCe · 1.8 TCe · 1.6 dCi · 2.0 Blue dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-DCT | EDC7 automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use (diesel)
Pros
- 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
- Very roomy seven-seat cabin
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong 1.8 TCe and 2.0 Blue dCi
Cons
- 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
- Large and less agile
- Diesel: AdBlue/DPF on short trips
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.
Renault Espace
Comfortable and composed for a large family vehicle, with a focus on long-distance refinement. Ride quality is absorbent, though some early examples felt soft in body control. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size. Optional 4Control four-wheel steering improves low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines offer more responsive acceleration. EDC dual-clutch automatics are smooth once warm but can show low-speed hesitation or judder when cold.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
