2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Mercedes-Benz has just announced that the 2015 B-Class Electric Drive will come with a base MSRP of $41,450 in the US when it hits dealerships starting this Summer.

“…B-Class ED will be available starting summer 2014 at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in select states — CA, CT, MD, OR, NJ, NY, RI and VT  — and then nationwide in early 2015.”

But we hear that the launch is actually moving https://insideevs.com/news/321165/mercedes-benz-b-class-ed-first-drive-video-deliveries-expected-in-july/.

At $41,450, the B-Class ED is essentially the same (+$100) price as the BEV version of the BMW i3, which has a base MSRP of $41,350.

Mercedes-Benz says that even a base B-Class ED will come generously equipped with items such as power front seats, cruise control, navigation and so on.

Mercedes-Benz always shows a concern for absolute safety and, as such, will fit the B-Class ED with these features as standard active-safety equipment:

  • Attention Assist
  • Active Parking Assist
  • Collision Prevention Assist 
  • Adaptive Brake Assist
Of course, airbags and seatbelts and loads of other safety-related gear is standard, too.

2-15 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Some of the optional features that Mercedes-Benz is willing to reveal at this time include:

B-Class Electric Drive

  • 7-inch infotainment system with internet connectivity
  • Upgraded GPS navigation
  • LINGUATRONIC voice control
The B-Class Electric Drive was developed in cooperation with Tesla, which means it features a Tesla electric drive system, 10 kW charging system and 28-kWh battery pack.

The electric motor generates 177 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The B-Class Electric Drive will sprint from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds.  Top speed is limited to 100 mph.

Range, according to Mercedes-Benz, is estimated at 85 miles on the EPA standard, but we believe that can be boosted significantly higher by selecting "Range Mode" when charging the B-Class.

With pricing for the B-Class ED and BMW i3 nearly identical, which one would you choose?

One seats 5 (M-B), while the other seats only 4 (BMW).  One features carbon fiber and zips from 0 to 60 MPH in 7 seconds (BMW), while the other is of a more conventional, familiar design yet hits 60 MPH in 7.9 seconds and hauls more cargo (M-B).

Hmm...With the addition of this plug-in vehicle priced as it is, choosing between the two becomes increasingly difficult.

Below:  Today's Mercedes-Benz Press release on the B-Class ED

April 28, 2014 - MONTVALE, NJ

The all-new 2014 B-Class Electric Drive   features dynamic design, a premium interior and a powerful   electric motor for emission-free mobility. This allows for   lively, effortless driving pleasure over a real-world range of   85 miles (EPA)*. In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is   digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be   conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As the   Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, the B-Class Electric   Drive sets clear standards in terms of comfort, quality and   safety for up to five occupants. The B-Class Electric Drive,   bearing the unmistakable three-pointed star trademark, will   first be launched in the US market in the summer of 2014.

The new B-Class Electric Drive surprises with an especially   dynamic driving experience. It provides noticeably powerful   acceleration, while gliding along quietly. The new electric   Mercedes offers the driver and up to four passengers the familiar   high standards of ride comfort in a high-class, spacious and   precision-designed interior. The B-Class Electric Drive combines   dynamic and driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short:   it delivers electric driving at premium level.

Powerful drive with brisk acceleration

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the   conventionally powered B-Class, for which the current generation   has become a bestseller since being launched in many countries in   2011. Since the launch of the first B-Class version in 2005,   Mercedes-Benz has seen customers taking delivery of over one   million of these vehicles. As an especially versatile vehicle   concept, the B-Class with its innovative electric drive now allows   additional environmental friendly capabilities to Mercedes   standards.

Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with TESLA Motors to develop the   electric B-Class. The two companies share many years of   cooperation in the field of electric mobility. The battery for the   predecessor model of the smart fortwo electric drive, for instance,   came from TESLA. For the B-Class Electric Drive, Mercedes-Benz is   once again leveraging the extensive know-how available from the   electric car pioneer and is using the TESLA drive system in its own   vehicle.

Quiet and local emission-free driving is ensured by an electric   motor generating 177 hp (132 kW). Typical for an electric drive   system, the motor develops its maximum torque of 251 lb-ft (340   Newton meters) from the very first touch of the accelerator. This is   approximately equivalent to the torque from a modern three-liter   gasoline engine. The result is noticeably powerful acceleration   from a standing start. The electrically driven B-Class drives from   zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Effortless drivability and   exhilarating driving pleasure with a high level of comfort are thus   guaranteed in every situation.

The power supply to the electric drive is delivered via a highperformance   lithium-ion battery, which is compactly and safely   housed in the "Energy Space" in the underfloor of the vehicle. Such   intelligent packaging allows the five-seater to retain the B-Class's   familiar spaciousness in both its interior and its luggage compartment of 17.69-51.42 ft3.

Zero emissions also on longer journeys

In the interests of optimizing range, the top speed is electronically   limited to 100 mph. Depending on driving cycle; the vehicle has a   range of 85 miles (EPA)*. This permits emission-free driving not   just in city traffic and on short journeys, but also over longer distances - such as a daily commute. The B-Class Electric Drive can   be charged from any standard domestic power socket. For a range   of 60 miles, the charging time at 240V in the United States is less   than 2 hours*. On the road, the electric drive itself makes its own   contribution to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic   energy into electric current during coasting and braking, and feeds   this energy into the battery.

Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design

Refined sportiness combined with aesthetic appeal – the B-Class   Electric Drive features the self-assured and dynamic styling so   typical of Mercedes with powerfully defined lines and finely   crafted details. The front and rear sections express the width of the   vehicle. This is ensured by the wide, prominent grille and the   headlamps, which wrap round into the sides, as well as by the   wide rear window, two-piece tail lights and large tailgate with deep   sill. A dynamic look is created by door-sill panels and striking   bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps. The charge   socket is inconspicuously installed behind the conventional fuel   door.

Sporty interior with classy touches

The interior underscores the high standards of comfort typical of   Mercedes-Benz. High-grade materials and finely textured surfaces,   classy touches and precision workmanship make it clear that   Mercedes-style electric drive is defined by high standards.

The three large round center air vents with their uniquely styled   cruciform nozzles add a sporty flair that contributes to the overall   emotive design idiom of the interior. Positioned above the air vents   and seemingly free-floating is the screen for the telematics system   – a state-of-the-art eye-catcher in the cockpit.

In terms of information and communication systems, the electric   B-Class offers levels of comfort and functionality that is customary   of any Mercedes-Benz. The standard equipment package includes a head unit with 5.8 in (14.7 cm) color display, twin tuner and MP3- Page 4   compatible CD player as well as USB port. The Becker® MAP   PILOT is the standard navigation system while the COMAND   multimedia system with internet access, navigation and   LINGUATRONIC voice control is also optionally available.

The instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive is rounded off by   functions that are specific to electric vehicles. One of the striking   features is the power display in the right-hand circular instrument.   The instrument pointer moves in a clockwise direction from the   green zone towards the red zone, when full power is demanded by   the driver. It drops back below the zero line when the vehicle is   feeding energy into the battery through the recuperation feature.

Ideally networked: connected services

Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, the B-Class Electric Drive   is not just sustainable and agile, but also connected. For example,   the Vehicle Homepage allows convenient remote interaction and   remote configuration of the vehicle. The driver can use their PC or   smartphone to conveniently access the vehicle via the internet. It   is possible, for instance, to determine the current state of charge of   the lithium-ion battery or show the vehicle's current range on a   map. In addition, the planned route can be displayed, showing at a   glance where the vehicle can be recharged along the way, should   this prove necessary. The range of connected services is rounded   off by a feature that allows individually timed pre-heating or   cooling of the vehicle. This pre-entry climate control system makes   the B-Class Electric Drive unique in its segment.

Big on safety

Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the BClass   Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative "Energy Space", the   battery is safely accommodated in the underfloor of the vehicle,   where it is ensured protection in the event of a crash. In addition,   Mercedes-Benz has equipped this innovative electric car with the   radar-based collision warning system COLLISION PREVENTION   ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance   system gives the driver a visual and audible warning of detected    obstacles, prepares them for braking action and assists them with   the braking process as the situation requires. In this way, it   significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additional   cutting-edge driver assistance systems are also available, including   Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Parking Assist.

Electric drive made by Mercedes-Benz

Locally emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class   Electric Drive are a key part of Mercedes-Benz's strategy for   sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer   is asserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric   vehicles that are fully suitable for everyday use. Mercedes-Benz   aims to strengthen its position in future, not least with the new BClass   Electric Drive, which will be available initially in the USA as   of mid of 2014, before subsequently being launched in European   markets.

Technical data*

Output 177 hp (132 kW)
Torque 251 lb-ft (340 Nm)
Range 85 miles (EPA)
Charging time for a range of     60 miles USA: under 2 h at 240V
Acceleration 0-60 mph 7.9 seconds (estimated)
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h),     electronically limited

*provisional figures

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