2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review

The B-Class EV does everything like a Benz, except you just happen to plug it into the wall when you park it for the night

It should be no surprise that we’re humming along Sand Hill Road in pretty much total silence. It’s a Mercedes-Benz, so isn’t it supposed to be silent?

This is exactly the point with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive. It is meant to be a Mercedes-Benz first, and everything else about it comes second. The B-Class EV does everything like a Benz, except you just happen to plug it into the wall when you park it for the night.

That is just the way that the people in the offices along Sand Hill Road, where you find the most influential venture capitalists in Silicon Valley, like it.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review

Take that, Tesla!

Well, we didn’t exactly make it all the way up Sand Hill Road in what you would call perfect silence, because when we stopped the 2014 B-Class EV at the light before Junipero Serra Boulevard, we switched off stability control and then nailed the throttle pedal to the floor when the light went green.

The B-Class lit up its front tires with a screech and kept them lit all the way across the slippery four-lane intersection. The guy in the Honda Civic next to us swiveled his neck like a crazy person, looked right at us, and kept looking around for the noise. After all, no one would suspect a Mercedes-Benz of such a demonstration, much less a Mercedes-Benz with an electric socket hidden behind its fuel flap.

As it turns out, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (whew, say that five times fast), has a powertrain to which Tesla has contributed a substantial measure of technology, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that its 177 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque are enough to produce a little bit of antisocial behavior from what is meant to be a refined but innocuous people-mover.

The Romance of People Moving

You don’t expect much romance from a people-moving pod like the B-Class. As you look at the car’s profile, you think that “style” might be too strong a word to use here. Perhaps it’s to be expected that the B-Class has been Mercedes-Benz’s vehicle of choice for developing cars powered by alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and now battery-powered electricity.

Nevertheless, the 2014 B-Class EV actually looks surprisingly good. Now in its second generation, this car shares its platform with the front-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz CLA, and it does family-style duty in a lot of countries. It has the profile of a utility vehicle, yet the interior reminds you of the CLA sedan. It feels warm and inviting, although it’s best to keep from rapping your knuckles against the CLA-spec plastic trim.

A 5.8-inch information screen occupies the center of the dash, the doors are wide and the floor is flat, and rear cargo space measures 17.7 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split folding rear seat and 51.0 cubic feet when the rear seat is flipped down. Measuring 171.6 inches long, 71.3 inches wide, and 61.3 inches high, the B-Class can make tall people comfortable, although perhaps not wide ones.

Electricity That Feels Natural

The B-Class has been stitched together with its electric powertrain so well that you’d almost never guess that it could be anything other than an EV. The 28 kWh package of lithium-ion batteries lies out of the way beneath the floor, and the electric motor is in the place up front where you’d usually find an engine. Mercedes-Benz engineers raised the B-Class on its suspension some 3.4 inches to make room beneath the car for the battery case, but then the designers added a little body cladding to the fender wells and rocker sills so you don’t really notice.

Read more: AutomobileMag

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Celebrates Over One Million in Sales

The B-Class Electric Drive will come to the US in 2014, increasing Mercedes sales in the electric vehicle segment

Mercedes-Benz isn’t just celebrating the new year this week, they are also celebrating sales of their B-Class.  Since it’s launch in 2005, the B-Class has sold over one million units. The sports tourer has done especially well in the German market and is the market leader in the compact MPV sector. Around 30 percent of B-Class customers previously drove a different brand of vehicle. Germany is the biggest market for theB-Class, followed by China.  But, with the B-Class Electric Drive making it’s debut in the US in 2014, sales will continue to grow in here as well.

“The B-Class is the perfect combination of sporty design, impressive driving dynamics and incomparable driving comfort,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. “That’s what makes it so popular with our customers. What has been particularly noticeable with the current model is that we are reaching the most diverse customer groups, from families with children to active seniors.”

The B-Class is also very popular with fleet customers. In 2013 it was again voted Corporate Car of the Year. The most popular engines worldwide for the B-Class are currently the B 180 petrol and diesel engines, which each account for around 30 percent. Half of all the B-Class vehicles sold are fitted with a navigation and infotainment system. Also particularly popular are the Night Package and the bi-xenon headlamps.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the B-Class in 2005. Following on from the A-Class, the spacious sports tourer was Mercedes-Benz’s second compact model. The B-Class is produced at the plants Rastatt in Germany and Kecskemét in Hungary. Rastatt is the centre of excellence for compact car production within the global Mercedes-Benz production network.

In 2011, the second generation of the B-Class came onto the market. This was the first model from Mercedes-Benz’s new compact car generation. And the B-Class ushered in a further revolution in safety technology: for the first time in the compact class, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system was fitted as standard. This radar-assisted collision warning system with adaptive brake assist warns the driver when he is too close to the vehicle in front and, if necessary, applies full braking power. The B-Class also stands out as the only vehicle in its class to come with optional all-wheel drive.

2014 sees the launch of two new alternative drive technologies for the B-Class. Available in Europe from February, the B 200 Natural Gas Drive is powered by natural gas and is especially efficient and cost-effective to run.

The B-Class Electric Drive, debuting in the US in the second quarter of 2014 and in Europe at the end of 2014 is Mercedes’ contribution to the electric vehicle market.  It has an electric power range of 200 kilometres, a generous interior and five seats, it provides noticeably powerful acceleration, glides along almost noiselessly and is highly suitable for everyday use. The B-Class Electric Drive effortlessly combines dynamism and driving pleasure with a high degree of practicality and zero local emissions.

2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive Coming to America

The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive will launch in the U.S. first early next year but will be available for pre-orders this fall

One of the most common complaints we receive is that Mercedes doesn’t bring their fuel efficient models to the U.S., but that is all about to change with their electric car lineup, including the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.  Making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show last week, the Electric Drive offers a stylish design, luxury interior and a high-torque electric motor for completely emission-free driving. With a range of 115 miles, the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive is easily going to be the best choice for city driving families, carpools and commutes.

The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive will launch in the U.S. first early next year but will be available for pre-orders this fall.  What else does Mercedes-Benz have for Electric, check out the new smart fortwo electric drive and the SLS AMG E-Cell.

If you don’t have time to read the full press release, check out the quick reference guide below and then head straight to the photo gallery to get a good look at what to expect from the all new emission free model.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive smart fortwo electric drive

Quick Reference Guide: 2014 B-Class Electric Drive:

Customer Availability:

  • B-Class Electric Drive – Early 2014

Performance:

  • 2014 B-Class Electric Drive
    (134 hp/100 kW, 228 lb.-ft.)

Standard Feature Highlights:

  • 28 kWh lithium-ion battery
  • Charging time range for 60 miles: 2 hours
  • 0-60 in less than 10 seconds
  • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST w/ Adaptive Brake Assist
  • Audio 20 with 5.8″ color screen
  • MP3-capable CD player and USB connection
  • Becker MAP PILOT
  • LED daytime running lamp

Optional Feature Highlights:

  • COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control
  • Blind Spot Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Active Parking Assist

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Powerful and lively drive system

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly driving at the Mercedes level – with its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle will only be introduced with battery electric drive.

Quiet and locally emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor with more than 134 hp (100 kW). Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 228 lb.-ft. is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires less than ten seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.

The powerful lithium-ion battery is accommodated in the “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor – both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior and luggage space of the B-Class.

Emission-free even over longer distances

The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) – in the interests of operating range. The range is around 115 miles (200 kilometers), according to the respective driving cycle. This means that in addition to emission-free urban driving and short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems, such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.

While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic energy into electric current on the overrun and during braking, and feeds this energy into the battery (recuperation).

Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design

Refined sportiness together with visual appeal – the new B-Class Electric Drive is another example of the self-assured and dynamic Mercedes design, with powerful, tense lines and finely styled details. The front and rear sets the tone for the vehicle’s width, with a wide, prominent front grille, headlamps extending into the vehicle sides, a wide rear window, two-piece tail lamps and a large tailgate with a low loading sill. The side sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps exude dynamic. The charging socket is inconspicuously installed behind the charging flap.

Sporty interior with premium details

The interior underscores the high comfort standards of Mercedes-Benz. Highquality materials and finely structured surfaces, premium details, and precise finishing, emphasize the fact that electric driving is defined at a very high level according to the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The three large, round air vents in the center with their distinctively designed cross-form nozzles are sporty features that contribute to the emotional design language of the interior. Above the air vents is the display screen for the telematics system which appears to be free-floating – a modern, eye-catching feature of the cockpit.

When it comes to information and communication systems, the B-Class Electric Drive offers convenience and outstanding functionality that is signature luxury typical of Mercedes-Benz. Standard onboard features include the Audio 20 with a 14.7 cm color screen, a twin tuner, an MP3-capable CD player and a USB connection. Navigation is provided by the Becker® MAP PILOT. The multimedia system COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control is available as an optional extra.

Functions specific to electric vehicles have been added to the instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive. A power display in the dial instrument has been added on the right. Its pointer rises in a clockwise direction from the green to the red area when power is being consumed, and drops below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding recuperative energy back into the battery.

Full connectivity

Its modern technology ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (locally emission-free) and agile (because of its high torque and acceleration), but also fully networked. Remote check-up and remote configuration of the vehicle is conveniently possible via the Vehicle Homepage. The driver can easily access his vehicle through the internet, using a PC or smartphone. In this way, it is possible to check the current charge status of the lithium-ion battery or to verify the vehicle’s current range on a map. The planned route can also be displayed, immediately showing whether and where the vehicle can be recharged along the way. The range of services for connectivity is rounded off with a pre-entry climate control option offering individually timed pre-heating or cooling. This advance air conditioning makes the B-Class Electric Drive the unrivalled benchmark in its segment.

Big on safety

Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the B-Class Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”, the battery is safely accommodated under the floor for crash protection. In addition, Mercedes-Benz already equips this innovative electric car with the radar-based accident warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance system gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning of recognized obstacles, prepares him for braking action and assists him with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additionally, more modern driver assistance systems are available – among them Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Park Assist.

Electric driving made by Mercedes-Benz

Locally emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is reasserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric cars which are fully suitable for everyday use. These include the B-Class F-CELL, and the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive (TBD for USA). The smart fortwo electric drive which launched last year in Europe received a positive response from customers. Since the middle of last year, much more than 1,000 vehicles have been produced and delivered. The all-new smart fortwo electric drive will be available in U.S. stores beginning May 1, 2013. The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available in the USA from early 2014 and then the European launch will follow.

Preliminary Technical Data

Output more than 134 hp (100 kW)
Torque more than 228 lb.-ft.
Range 115 miles [US City], 200 km [NEFZ]
Charging time for a range of
60 miles [US City] (100 km [NEFZ])
USA: 2 hours 40 A/240 V
(ECE: 1.5 hours 400V)
Acceleration 0-60 mph under 10 s
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h),
electronically limited


Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Live in New York

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is the future in electric driving, celebrating its premiere at the 2013 New York International Auto Show

The future of electric driving celebrated its world premiere this morning at the 2013 New York International Auto Show: the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its debut with a dynamic design, high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for local emission-free driving. This makes for lively and effortless driving pleasure over a range of around 115 miles. In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked meaning it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety. Bearing the Mercedes star as an unmistakable trademark, the B-Class Electric Drive will be launched first in the USA at the beginning of 2014, where it will be the first luxury battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz in the market.

The new B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience, delivering decidedly powerful acceleration while gliding along the road practically silently. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort of a well designed, high-quality interior offering a generous amount of space. The B-Class Electric Drive thus combines dynamism and driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short, electric driving at the premium level.

According to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing: “The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”

The new Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive will be availabe in the U.S. early next year but pre-orders will likely make it sold out for quite a while so place your order early if you want one.

Powerful and lively drive system

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly motoring at the Mercedes level thanks to its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle is being introduced onto the market exclusively as the electric variant.

Quiet and local emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor generating more than 100 kW. Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 310 Nm is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern petrol engine with a displacement of 3.0 litres. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires considerably less than ten seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.

A powerful lithium-ion battery feeds energy to the electric drive and is accommodated in the so-called “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor – a solution which is both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior space and luggage space of the B-Class.

Emission-free even over longer distances

The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) in the interests of operating range. Depending on the respective driving cycle, the range is around 115 miles (200 km). This means that in addition to emission-free driving in urban traffic and on short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems – such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters going to work, for example. The B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard household power socket. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 km) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.

While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favourable energy balance through recuperation, by converting kinetic energy into electric current in deceleration mode and during braking and feeding this energy into the battery.

Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design

Refined sportiness together with aesthetic visual appeal – the B-Class Electric Drive is another example of the self-assured and dynamic Mercedes design, with powerful, tense lines and finely styled details. Both the front and rear set the tone for the vehicle’s width, which comes courtesy of the wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending into the vehicle sides, as well as the wide rear window, two-piece rear lamp cluster and the large tailgate with low boot sill. The side sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime driving lights exude dynamism. The charging socket is inconspicuously installed behind the charging flap.

Sporty interior with premium details

The interior underscores the high comfort standards of Mercedes-Benz. High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, premium details, and precise finishing all highlight the fact that electric driving is defined at a very high level according to the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz.

The three large, round air vents in the centre with their distinctively designed cross-form nozzles are sporty features that contribute to the emotional design idiom of the interior. Above the air vents is the display screen for the telematics system which appears to be free-floating – a modern, eye-catching feature of the cockpit.

When it comes to information and communication systems, the electric B-Class offers levels of convenience and functionality that were previously reserved for higher classes of vehicles. Standard onboard features include the Audio 20 with a 14.7 cm colour screen, a twin tuner, an MP3-capable CD player and a USB connection. Navigation is provided for by the Becker® MAP PILOT. The multimedia system COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and LINGUATRONIC voice control is also available as an optional extra.

Functions specific to electric vehicles have been added to the instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive. The power display in the dial instrument on the right is immediately obvious. When power is being consumed, its pointer rises in a clockwise direction from the green to the red area, and drops back below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding recuperative energy back into the battery.

Fully networked: connected services

Its cutting-edge technology ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (because it offers local emission-free driving) and agile (because of its high torque and acceleration), but also fully networked. Remote checking and remote configuration of the vehicle are conveniently possible via the Vehicle Homepage, for example. The driver can easily access his vehicle via the internet, using a PC or smartphone. In this way, it is possible to check the current charge status of the lithium-ion battery or to verify the vehicle’s current range on a map. The planned route can also be displayed, immediately showing where the vehicle can be recharged along the way, if necessary. The range of connected services is rounded off with a pre-entry climate control option offering individually timed pre-heating or cooling. 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 B-Class Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”, the battery is safely accommodated in the underfloor of the vehicle for crash protection. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has already 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 acoustic warning of recognized obstacles, prepares him for braking action and assists him with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additional, more up-to-date driver assistance systems are also available – among them Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Parking Assist.

Electric motoring made by Mercedes-Benz

Local emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is reasserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric vehicles which are fully suitable for everyday use. These include the A-Class E-CELL, the B-Class F-CELL, the Vito E-CELL van, and the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. The smart fortwo electric drive – of which well over 1000 units have been produced and delivered since the middle of last year – has enjoyed an extremely positive response from our customers, too. The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available initially in the USA from the beginning of 2014, and will be launched in European markets subsequently.

Technical data*

Output More than 100 kW
Torque More than 310 Nm
Range 115 miles [US City],
200 km [NEDC]
Charging time for a range of 60 miles [US City]
(100 km [NEDC])
USA: 2 h at 240 V/40 A
(ECE: 1.5 h at 400 V)
Acceleration 0-60 mph
(0-100 km/h)
Under 10 s
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h),
electronically limited
* preliminary figures