Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 vs Renault Espace MK5
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
W247 · 2018 – 2026
The third-generation B-Class on the MFA2 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
M282 B 200 · Petrol vs 1.8 TCe 225 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
163 hp
|
225 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,2 s
|
7,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
223 km/h
|
224 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
108,3 hp/t
|
136,4 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
145 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
455 L
|
680 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.540 L
|
2.100 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,73 m
|
2,88 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,42 m
|
4,86 m
|
| Ground clearance |
10,4 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 | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 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 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use (diesel)
Pros
- 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
- Very roomy seven-seat cabin
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong 1.8 TCe and 2.0 Blue dCi
Cons
- 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
- Large and less agile
- Diesel: AdBlue/DPF on short trips
Driving experience
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.
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
