In this modern age of niche-filling car design, it is quite odd that only two premium brands are playing in the MPV segment. Mercedes-Benz has found relative success with their B Class, especially the current 2nd generation which is a vast improvement on their first attempt.
And if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, there must be some blushing behind all the moustaches at Mercedes HQ, as BMW have broken with tradition to launch a B Class rival, in the form of the front wheel drive 2-Series Active Tourer.
We managed to wrangle an example of each into our studio, and gave them both a thorough shaking down. The models featured in this video are the BMW 218i and the Mercedes-Benz B200.
Weve covered everything from engine power, boot space and load space, the cost of the extras (brace yourself) and theres a thorough tour of the interiors.
And then at the very end, we pick a winner
For a complete side by side comparison of the two cars, click here
| BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i | Mercedes-Benz B Class B200 | |
| Price | R396 205 | R407 223 |
| Price of extras | R123 000 | R117 000 |
| Engine | 1.5 litre 3-cyl turbo petrol | 1.6 litre 4-cyl turbo petrol |
| Power | 100 kW | 115 kW |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Boot space | 468L (1510L seats folded) | 486L (1545L seats folded) |
| Fuel economy | 4.6L/100km | 4.7L/100km |
