Car statistics
How many Mercedes-Benz B-Classes are still on the road in Great Britain, how many are declared off the road, how new registrations have changed and which fuels they use. Built from DVLA licensing records and 71,047 DVSA MOT tests.
There were 66,773 Mercedes-Benz B-Classes licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 3,133 declared off the road (SORN). That is 10.4% fewer than the peak of 74,492 in 2021.
Numbers peaked in 2021 and have fallen every year since, as older cars are scrapped faster than new ones are registered.
| Year | Licensed |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,483 |
| 2006 | 6,859 |
| 2007 | 11,929 |
| 2008 | 17,068 |
| 2009 | 22,434 |
| 2010 | 27,506 |
| 2011 | 31,345 |
| 2012 | 37,437 |
| 2013 | 44,660 |
| 2014 | 52,136 |
| 2015 | 57,286 |
| 2016 | 61,992 |
| 2017 | 66,467 |
| 2018 | 69,542 |
| 2019 | 72,641 |
| 2020 | 73,704 |
| 2021 | 74,492 |
| 2022 | 74,025 |
| 2023 | 72,289 |
| 2024 | 70,072 |
| 2025 | 67,631 |
| 2026 | 66,773 |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
In 2025, 72.6% of Mercedes-Benz B-Class MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Mercedes-Benz B-Classes tested pass 70.3% of the time, so the Mercedes-Benz B-Class does better than average for its age, by 2.3 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 72.6%.
Comparing like with like: each bar pair covers cars of the same age, so an older average age does not count against a model.
| Vehicle age | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 90.9% | 89.5% |
| 4–5 years | 90.8% | 87.6% |
| 6–7 years | 86.3% | 83.0% |
| 8–10 years | 78.5% | 75.7% |
| 11–14 years | 69.3% | 65.5% |
| 15–19 years | 57.2% | 58.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz B-Class fails its MOT, appearing on 35.7% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 7.2% of Mercedes-Benz B-Class tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.
| Defect category | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 35.7% |
| Suspension | 34.8% |
| Tyres | 24.8% |
| Brakes | 20.8% |
| Visibility | 14.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.7% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 10.6% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.2% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
The single most common reason a Mercedes-Benz B-Class failed its MOT in 2025 was “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, on 13.4% of 19,455 failed tests. 49.0% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.
Share of failed tests with each defect. A test can fail for more than one.
| Defect | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken Suspension | 13.4% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.2% |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Suspension | 8.9% |
| Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Body, chassis, structure | 7.4% |
| Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7.2% |
| Tyres: cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords Tyres | 6.6% |
| Suspension arms: ball joint excessively worn Suspension | 6.5% |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick Brakes | 5.9% |
| Tyres: ply or cords exposed Tyres | 5.7% |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid Visibility | 5.5% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Share of all tests with each advisory: worth checking on a car you are buying.
| Advisory | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge Tyres | 16.4% |
| Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing Tyres | 10.0% |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Brakes | 8.5% |
| Brake pads: wearing thin Brakes | 7.8% |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material Brakes | 7.5% |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively Brakes | 3.9% |
| Coil spring: corroded Suspension | 3.1% |
| Suspension arms: ball joint has slight play Suspension | 2.8% |
| Tyres: cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords Tyres | 2.5% |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread Identification of the vehicle | 2.4% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
17 years of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, by year of first registration, have their own page with MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left. Against all cars of the same age, the 2012 cars did best at their 2025 MOT (69.3% passed first time) and the 2011 cars worst (58.8%).
| Year | Registered | Left | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | – | 1,867 | 56.5% |
| 2007 | – | 2,331 | 55.6% |
| 2008 | – | 3,090 | 55.2% |
| 2009 | – | 3,944 | 58.2% |
| 2010 | – | 4,251 | 58.3% |
| 2011 | – | 3,360 | 58.8% |
| 2012 | – | 5,574 | 69.3% |
| 2013 | – | 6,947 | 71.1% |
| 2014 | 8,097 | 8,100 | 71.8% |
| 2015 | 5,502 | 5,642 | 76.6% |
| 2016 | 5,210 | 5,265 | 79.2% |
| 2017 | 5,296 | 5,636 | 80.4% |
| 2018 | 3,870 | 3,893 | 83.5% |
| 2019 | 3,973 | 4,155 | 89.2% |
| 2020 | 2,741 | 2,820 | 90.0% |
| 2021 | 1,783 | 1,734 | 91.7% |
| 2022 | 1,243 | 1,213 | 91.0% |
Registered: cars on the DVLA record at the end of the year they were first registered (these counts start in 2014, so older years show a dash). Left: licensed or declared SORN at the end of 2025. Both cover the United Kingdom. Pass rate: first-time passes at normal MOT tests in Great Britain in 2025; all cars: every car first registered the same year.
The average Mercedes-Benz B-Class covers 6,183 miles a year, worked out from odometer readings at consecutive MOT tests.
| Vehicle age | Miles a year |
|---|---|
| 4–5 years | 6,570 |
| 6–7 years | 6,450 |
| 8–10 years | 6,590 |
| 11–14 years | 6,361 |
| 15–19 years | 5,181 |
| 20+ years | 4,679 |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Registrations of Mercedes-Benz B-Classes for the first time in Great Britain peaked at 8,661 in 2014. In 2025, 335 were registered.
| Year | First registrations |
|---|---|
| ’01 | 0 |
| ’02 | 0 |
| ’03 | 0 |
| ’04 | 0 |
| ’05 | 1,551 |
| ’06 | 5,550 |
| ’07 | 5,227 |
| ’08 | 5,518 |
| ’09 | 5,892 |
| ’10 | 5,576 |
| ’11 | 4,193 |
| ’12 | 6,403 |
| ’13 | 7,653 |
| ’14 | 8,661 |
| ’15 | 5,957 |
| ’16 | 5,564 |
| ’17 | 5,875 |
| ’18 | 4,037 |
| ’19 | 4,310 |
| ’20 | 2,896 |
| ’21 | 1,803 |
| ’22 | 1,271 |
| ’23 | 890 |
| ’24 | 589 |
| ’25 | 335 |
Source:DfT / DVLA 2001 to 2025 Updated
Of the 69,021 Mercedes-Benz B-Classes licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 29.6% have an engine of 1,401cc to 1,500cc, and 16.7% have an engine of 1,901cc to 2,000cc. The share with an engine of 1,901cc to 2,000cc has fallen from 31.3% in 2014 to 16.7%.
DVLA records engine size in 100cc bands.
| Engine size | Share of those licensed |
|---|---|
| 1,401cc to 1,500cc 20,437 licensed | 29.6% |
| 1,901cc to 2,000cc 11,559 licensed | 16.7% |
| 1,701cc to 1,800cc 10,497 licensed | 15.2% |
| 1,501cc to 1,600cc 8,519 licensed | 12.3% |
| 2,101cc to 2,200cc 7,446 licensed | 10.8% |
| 1,301cc to 1,400cc 6,996 licensed | 10.1% |
| 1,601cc to 1,700cc 2,717 licensed | 3.9% |
| Other sizes 850 licensed | 1.2% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
| Engine size | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,401–1,500cc | Diesel | 14,379 | 20.8% |
| 1,901–2,000cc | Diesel | 11,238 | 16.3% |
| 1,701–1,800cc | Diesel | 10,496 | 15.2% |
| 1,501–1,600cc | Petrol | 8,519 | 12.3% |
| 2,101–2,200cc | Diesel | 7,446 | 10.8% |
| 1,401–1,500cc | Petrol | 6,055 | 8.8% |
| 1,301–1,400cc | Petrol | 5,405 | 7.8% |
| 1,601–1,700cc | Petrol | 2,717 | 3.9% |
| 1,301–1,400cc | Hybrid | 1,095 | 1.6% |
Share of those licensed at the end of each year, for the most common sizes.
| Year | 1,401–1,500cc | 1,901–2,000cc | 1,701–1,800cc | 1,501–1,600cc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 28.1% | 31.3% | 22.1% | 7.3% |
| 2015 | 30.4% | 28.2% | 20.1% | 7.8% |
| 2016 | 31.7% | 25.5% | 18.5% | 8.5% |
| 2017 | 32.5% | 23.2% | 17.3% | 9.3% |
| 2018 | 32.6% | 21.5% | 16.5% | 11.5% |
| 2019 | 31.5% | 21.4% | 15.7% | 11.5% |
| 2020 | 30.6% | 21.1% | 15.3% | 11.2% |
| 2021 | 29.9% | 20.8% | 15.0% | 11.2% |
| 2022 | 29.7% | 20.1% | 15.0% | 11.3% |
| 2023 | 29.7% | 19.1% | 15.0% | 11.5% |
| 2024 | 29.6% | 17.8% | 15.1% | 11.9% |
| 2025 | 29.6% | 16.7% | 15.2% | 12.3% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
Share of those licensed at the end of each year.
| Year | Diesel | Petrol | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 64.8% | 35.2% | 0.0% |
| 2015 | 66.7% | 33.0% | 0.0% |
| 2016 | 67.9% | 31.5% | 0.0% |
| 2017 | 68.8% | 30.4% | 0.0% |
| 2018 | 68.2% | 31.2% | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 66.8% | 32.6% | 0.0% |
| 2020 | 65.7% | 33.7% | 0.0% |
| 2021 | 64.7% | 34.2% | 0.0% |
| 2022 | 64.2% | 34.6% | 0.0% |
| 2023 | 63.5% | 34.4% | 0.8% |
| 2024 | 63.3% | 34.2% | 1.3% |
| 2025 | 63.1% | 34.0% | 1.6% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.
The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Mercedes-Benz B-Class from 2006, and still lists it. On the WLTP test (listings 2020 to 2026), official combined fuel economy for its petrol, diesel and petrol hybrid versions ranges from 36.7 to 62.8 mpg, with CO2 of 119 to 176 g/km; plug-in hybrid versions are rated at 188.3 to 282.5 mpg (weighted). On the older NEDC test (listings 2006 to 2018), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 34.4 to 74.3 mpg, with CO2 of 98 to 197 g/km; electric versions have an official range of 124 miles.
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 petrol | 40.9–47.9 | 136–157 | 2020–2023 | Euro 6d | 8 |
| 2.0 petrol | 36.7–43.5 | 155–176 | 2020–2021 | Euro 6d | 3 |
| 1.5 diesel | 53.3–62.8 | 119–138 | 2020–2021 | Euro 6d‑TEMP | 1 |
| 2.0 diesel | 48.7–58.9 | 128–150 | 2020–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 12 |
| 1.3 petrol hybrid | 41.5–47.9 | 134–154 | 2023–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 3 |
| 1.3 plug-in hybrid | 188.3–282.5 | 23–33 | 2021–2023 | Euro 6d | 3 |
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Range, miles | Miles per kWh | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 petrol | 38.7–45.6 | 148–173 | – | – | 2006–2011 | Euro 4 to Euro 5 | 30 |
| 1.6 petrol | 41.5–52.3 | 125–155 | – | – | 2012–2018 | Euro 5 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 103 |
| 1.7 petrol | 37.7–44.8 | 146–177 | – | – | 2006–2011 | Euro 4 to Euro 5 | 30 |
| 2.0 petrol | 34.4–42.8 | 154–197 | – | – | 2006–2015 | Euro 4 to Euro 6 | 36 |
| 1.5 diesel | 62.8–74.3 | 98–117 | – | – | 2014–2018 | Euro 5 to Euro 6 | 42 |
| 1.8 diesel | 60.1–67.3 | 112–122 | – | – | 2012–2015 | Euro 5 | 54 |
| 2.0 diesel | 44.8–54.3 | 136–165 | – | – | 2006–2011 | Euro 4 to Euro 5 | 92 |
| 2.1 diesel | 48.7–70.6 | 104–152 | – | – | 2013–2018 | Euro 6 to Euro 6c | 58 |
| Electric | – | 0 | 124 | 3.5 | 2015–2016 | – | 3 |
Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated
DVSA lists 47 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class since 1992, the first in 2008. The most recent was launched on 6 May 2024.
All 47 Mercedes-Benz B-Class recalls, with defects, remedies and build dates
A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated
| Model | Licensed | Change on a year | SORN | Rank | Main fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class | 66,773 | −3.7% | 3,133 | 122 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 378,826 | +0.7% | 13,892 | 16 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 326,200 | −4.5% | 46,533 | 20 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 203,182 | −4.2% | 40,576 | 39 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 112,497 | +14.1% | 2,288 | 84 | Petrol |
| Figures | Source | Period | Records | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed and SORN counts | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | End of March 2026 | 69,906 B-Class records (licensed and SORN) | 15 September 2026 |
| Registered for the first time | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | 2001 to 2025 | – | 15 September 2026 |
| MOT results and mileage | Anonymised MOT tests and results Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Derived statistics UK Motoring | 2025 | 71,047 MOT tests | 15 September 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
