Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 vs Renault Scenic J95
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
W246 · 2011 – 2018
The second-generation B-Class on the MFA platform.
Renault Scenic
J95 · 2009 – 2016
The Scenic (J95, 2009–2016), a compact MPV.
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 Scenic
Pick the J95 for an affordable, practical early Scenic with a large used supply.
Performance
M270 B 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 TCe 130 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
156 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
Winner
|
205 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
11,4 s
|
| Top speed |
220 km/h
Winner
|
190 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
108,7 hp/t
Winner
|
93,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
135 g/km
|
135 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,4 L/100km
Winner
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
488 L
Winner
|
437 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.547 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,70 m
|
2,70 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,39 m
|
4,34 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,6 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,0 m
|
11,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
Winner
|
1.200 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176) | C |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel · electric | 1.6 16V · 1.4 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.5 dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.9 dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-DCT | 6-speed manual |
| 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
- 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
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts
- Electronics and MediaNav/R-Link glitches
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
- Roomy, practical with lots of storage
- Affordable used supply
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
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
- Older design and interior
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
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 Scenic
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use. Ride quality is absorbent and composed for the segment, with body control better than many traditional MPVs of the era. The diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines are adequate but less efficient. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the automatic options (EDC dual-clutch on some diesels, CVT on the 2.0 petrol) can show hesitation or less refined behaviour in low-speed use.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
