The Mercedes-Benz B 200 Turbo, part of the W245 facelift series produced from April 2008 to November 2010, represented a significant offering in the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the B-Class lineup, it aimed to balance performance and practicality for European buyers. This variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with Mercedes’ Autotronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The W245 B-Class, and specifically the B 200 Turbo, was designed to appeal to customers seeking a more refined and versatile alternative to traditional hatchbacks, offering a higher seating position and increased cargo capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B-class |
| Generation | B-class (W245 facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | B 200 Turbo (193 Hp) Autotronic |
| Start of production | April, 2008 |
| End of production | November, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.5-10.7 l/100 km (22.4 – 22 US mpg, 26.9 – 26.4 UK mpg, 9.5 – 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.7-6.8 l/100 km (35.1 – 34.6 US mpg, 42.2 – 41.5 UK mpg, 14.9 – 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.1-8.2 l/100 km (29 – 28.7 US mpg, 34.9 – 34.4 UK mpg, 12.3 – 12.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 195-197 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp, 145.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 94.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1800-4850 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1800-4850 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 266.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2034 cm3 (124.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 544 l (19.21 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2245 l (79.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 645 kg (1421.98 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4273 mm (168.23 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2035 mm (80.12 in.) |
| Height | 1604 mm (63.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2778 mm (109.37 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.95 m (39.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission Autotronic |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the B 200 Turbo is the M 266.980 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and employs multi-port fuel injection. A turbocharger with an intercooler is integral to its performance, boosting power output to 193 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque available from 1800 to 4850 rpm. The engine’s 9:1 compression ratio strikes a balance between efficiency and performance. The Autotronic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), was specifically designed by Mercedes-Benz to provide smooth, stepless gear changes. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, the Autotronic uses a belt-and-pulley system to offer an infinite number of ratios within its operating range. This allows the engine to operate at its most efficient point for any given driving condition.
Driving Characteristics
The B 200 Turbo with the Autotronic transmission offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. The CVT, while not offering the sporty feel of a traditional automatic or manual gearbox, provided seamless acceleration and minimized shift shock. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 7.4 seconds, and the car reached a top speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). The Autotronic transmission’s programming prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a noticeable difference in driving style compared to the more aggressively geared manual transmission options available in other B-Class variants. The engine delivered adequate power for everyday driving, but lacked the outright punch of the higher-output models like the B 200 CDI diesel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The B 200 Turbo typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Common optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, parking sensors, and upgraded audio systems. The facelifted W245 models (2008 onwards) featured revised interior trim and updated infotainment systems compared to the pre-facelift versions. Safety features included ABS, airbags, and electronic stability control.
Chassis & Braking
The B 200 Turbo utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The car was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Electric power steering provided light and easy steering feel. The chassis was tuned to prioritize comfort and stability over outright handling performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The B 200 Turbo was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and comfortable MPV. However, the Autotronic transmission drew some criticism for its lack of responsiveness and “rubber band” feel during hard acceleration. Compared to the B 200 CDI diesel, the B 200 Turbo offered less fuel economy but more readily available power. The petrol engine was also considered less durable than the diesel counterpart. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Touran and Renault Scenic, the B 200 Turbo stood out with its more premium interior and refined driving experience, but often came at a higher price point.
Legacy
The W245 B-Class, including the B 200 Turbo, has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, although the Autotronic transmission can be a potential source of issues if not properly maintained. Regular fluid changes are crucial for the longevity of the CVT. Today, the B 200 Turbo can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. While it may not offer the latest technology or the highest performance, it remains a practical and comfortable option for those seeking a versatile and well-built compact MPV. The M266 engine, while not known for being a high-performance unit, is generally considered durable with proper maintenance.
