BMW i8 vs. Mercedes-Benz B-Class Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: BMW i8 vs. Mercedes-Benz B-Class

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Model Year	2017	2017
Model	i8	B-Class
Trim	Base	B250e
Engines (hide)
turbocharged 1.3L I3 Plug-in Hybrid DOHC-4v 357 hp 420 lb-ft
Electric 177 hp 251 lb-ft
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
1-speed automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
FWD
Tires (hide)
245/40WR20 tires
215/45WR20 tires
225/45WR17 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Harman/Kardon, 360W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 8 speakers
Harman/Kardon, 450W, 12 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Cruise control
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote appCheck on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.   [?]
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Semi-automated parking systemAutomatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator.   [?]
Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator.
Sound insulation, additionalOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Around view camerasSmall external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.   [?]
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.
Automatic braking, low-speedAutomatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.   [?]
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Driver drowsiness monitorWarns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.   [?]
Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.   [?]
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Knee airbag, driver
Knee airbag, passenger
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Pedestrian detectionWarns driver of pedestrians in path of car.   [?]
Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car.
Radar- or camera-based collision preparation systemPrepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat   [?]
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Tires, run-flatCan be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.   [?]
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Wide-view front cameraWide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets.   [?]
Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Console with shifter
Console without shifter
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.   [?]
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Storage compartment under front seat(s)
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Electrically heated windshieldLayer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.   [?]
Layer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.   [?]
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.   [?]
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Engine / Motor (hide)
10 kW onboard chargerTriple level charger, fastest charge times with 220V source.    [?]
Triple level charger, fastest charge times with 220V source.
28 kWh battery pack
3.3 kW onboard chargerBasic level charger.   [?]
Basic level charger.
7 kWh battery pack
Automatic start / stopAutomatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.   [?]
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.
Extended range functionHitting a button extends the permitted range of the battery pack.   [?]
Hitting a button extends the permitted range of the battery pack.
Mid-engine configurationThe engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.   [?]
The engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.
Radar-based brake regenerationWhen braking or coasting, a radar sensor scans traffic and adaptively brakes to maximize energy regeneration.   [?]
When braking or coasting, a radar sensor scans traffic and adaptively brakes to maximize energy regeneration.
Regeneration paddlesPaddles on the steering column select different levels of energy regeneration during braking.   [?]
Paddles on the steering column select different levels of energy regeneration during braking.
Exterior (hide)
Carbon fiber body structureStrong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.   [?]
Strong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.
Metallic paint (extra cost)
Paint, special white
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
-3793
-7500
Infotainment (hide)
Android Auto supportRequires compatible Android phone.   [?]
Requires compatible Android phone.
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Apple CarPlay supportRequires compatible Apple iPhone.   [?]
Requires compatible Apple iPhone.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD player
Concierge Services - 3 year subscriptionTypically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations.   [?]
Typically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations.
DVD-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
Handwriting recognitionTouchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.   [?]
Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
In-vehicle InternetConnects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.   [?]
Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation map updates, three years
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
S Voice supportAccess S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.   [?]
Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
SD Card slotSD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.   [?]
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
Siri Eyes Free supportActivate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.    [?]
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.
Smartphone integrationIn BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.   [?]
In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Telematics service, such as OnStar, with navigationIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Text dictationDictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.   [?]
Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for external devicesPhone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.   [?]
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice recorder
Wi-Fi hotspotProvides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.   [?]
Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog light, rearMake it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.   [?]
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.
Head-up display (HUD)Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.   [?]
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Interior ambient lighting, configurableLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights.
Large color reconfigurable instrument cluster displayThe information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches.   [?]
The information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches.
Laser high beam / LED low beam headlights
LED headlightsLED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.   [?]
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Rear reading lights
Speed limit informationDisplays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.   [?]
Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Dark-colored headliner (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Floor mats
Foldaway tray tables, second rowTray tables that fold down from the front seatbacks, like on an airplane.   [?]
Tray tables that fold down from the front seatbacks, like on an airplane.
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Illuminated door sill trim plates
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather upholstery, extended coverageLeather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Partial leather seating sufacesEither only the front seats are leather or the upholstery is a mix of cloth and leather.   [?]
Either only the front seats are leather or the upholstery is a mix of cloth and leather.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Upholstered instrument panel
Upholstered instrument panel, leather
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Adaptive dampers - electricalShocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.   [?]
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Alloy wheels
Electronic systems calibration selectorVaries throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.   [?]
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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