2016 B-Class Electric Drive

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Pros: Unique, utilitarian body style; classy, high-end interior; great passenger and cargo space for a compact vehicle; low per-mile operating costs; peppy performance

Cons: Significant price premium over gas-engine competitors; limited availability; traditional gasoline-engine version is not available in the U.S.

CG Says: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is a new addition to Mercedes-Benz’s product lineup in the United States. The B-Class is a compact-sized 4-door tall wagon that has been on sale in Europe and Canada (with a variety of internal-combustion powertrains) since 2005. For its late-2014-model-year U.S. debut, it is offered solely as an electric vehicle, and is initially available only in ten states: CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NY, RI, OR, and VT. The B-Class comes with a 177-horsepower electric motor that Mercedes-Benz says is capable of 7.9-second 0-60 mph times and a driving range of about 85 miles. The tall body build (similar to vehicles such as the Fiat 500L, Mazda 5, and Toyota Prius V) makes for impressive cargo/passenger room and a commanding driving position–both unique traits among electric vehicles. Likewise, B-Class’s upscale interior helps it stand out from its electric-motor competition.

The Facts
Class Electric Car
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Nation of Manufacture Germany
Base Prices B-Class Electric Drive: $42,375

Base Engine
electric motor
Horsepower
177
Std. Transmission
single speed
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
NA
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
NA

2015 B-Class Electric Drive
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
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