The Mercedes-Benz B 150, produced between October 2005 and April 2008, was an entry-level variant of the W245 B-Class, a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and comfortable family car. Positioned as the most affordable option in the B-Class range, the B 150 utilized a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), marketed by Mercedes-Benz as “Autotronic.” This combination prioritized fuel efficiency and ease of driving over outright performance, targeting a different demographic than the more powerful B 200 or the diesel-powered B 180 CDI models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B-class |
| Generation | B-class (W245) |
| Type (Engine) | B 150 (95 Hp) Autotronic |
| Start of production | October, 2005 |
| End of production | April, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.5-8.7 l/100 km (27.7 – 27 US mpg, 33.2 – 32.5 UK mpg, 11.8 – 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6-6.2 l/100 km (39.2 – 37.9 US mpg, 47.1 – 45.6 UK mpg, 16.7 – 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9-7.1 l/100 km (34.1 – 33.1 US mpg, 40.9 – 39.8 UK mpg, 14.5 – 14.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 158-163 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 168 km/h (104.39 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp, 74.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm, 109.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 3500-4000 rpm (103.26 lb.-ft. @ 3500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 266.920 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.2 mm (2.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1835 kg (4045.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 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%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 645 kg (1421.98 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4270 mm (168.11 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1603 mm (63.11 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2778 mm (109.37 in.) |
| Front track | 1556 mm (61.26 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| 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, 276×12 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 258×8 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The B 150 was powered by the Mercedes-Benz M 266.920 engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. The engine produced 95 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 140 Nm of torque between 3500 and 4000 rpm. The engine’s relatively modest output was a deliberate choice, aimed at maximizing fuel economy rather than providing spirited performance. The engine was paired with Mercedes-Benz’s Autotronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). This transmission, while offering smooth acceleration, lacked the defined gear changes of a traditional automatic and was sometimes criticized for its “rubber band” feel. The Autotronic featured a stepped-gear simulation to provide a more conventional driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The B 150’s driving experience was characterized by its smoothness and ease of use. The Autotronic transmission contributed to a relaxed driving style, particularly in urban environments. However, the 95 hp engine and the CVT resulted in relatively slow acceleration – 0 to 60 mph took approximately 13.5 seconds. Overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. Compared to the B 200, which offered significantly more power, the B 150 felt noticeably underpowered. The CVT’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often operated at higher RPMs during acceleration, which could be perceived as noisy. The B 150’s suspension provided a comfortable ride, but handling was not particularly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The B 150 typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat understated, design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The B 150 was generally considered the entry-level trim, lacking some of the luxury features found in the higher-spec B 200 models. Safety features such as ABS were standard.
Chassis & Braking
The W245 B-Class featured an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The B 150 utilized ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. The braking system was adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, with ABS included as standard. The relatively light weight of the B 150, at 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs), helped to compensate for the engine’s modest power output.
Market Reception & Comparison
The B 150 was generally well-received as a practical and economical family car. Critics praised its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, the engine’s lack of power and the CVT’s sometimes-unconventional behavior were common criticisms. Compared to the B 200, the B 150 offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of performance. The B 180 CDI diesel variant provided a compelling alternative for those seeking better fuel economy and more torque. The B 150’s primary appeal lay in its affordability and suitability for urban driving.
Legacy
The M 266.920 engine, while not known for its longevity or high performance, proved to be reasonably reliable in the B 150. The Autotronic transmission, however, was sometimes prone to issues, particularly if not properly maintained. Today, the B 150 can be found on the used car market at very affordable prices. It remains a practical and economical option for those seeking a small MPV, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for transmission problems and ensure that the vehicle has been well-maintained. Its simplicity and relatively low running costs continue to appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
