Based on the A-Class with larger dimensions, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) classifies it as a small MPV.

[2] Mercedes-Benz had presented a concept car Vision B Compact Sports Tourer at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

[4] The first-generation B-Class was introduced in Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world in spring 2005, and in Canada in autumn 2005.

[6][7] The B-Class uses front-wheel drive with sandwich floor construction, parabolic rear suspension,[8] and a two-box design — one for the drivetrain and another for the shared passenger and luggage compartment.

The hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle was driven more than 30,000 kilometres in a circumnavigation of the globe, starting and ending in Stuttgart.

The W246 was revealed in August 2011,[14] and made its public debut in September 2011 at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany.

It is one of the only B-Class models to ever be sold in the U.S. market, as well as being the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to ever be offered in an electric variant, though it was only available in certain states that required ZEV mandates.

It is powered by a full MBUX infotainment system, giving B-Class buyers access to its functions through a standard touchscreen.

The plug-in hybrid comes with a 10.9 kWh battery which optionally supports DC charging and provides a WLTP combined cycle range of 66 km.