Sold in the US exclusively in all-electric form, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is a unique proposition for the green-minded American family man or woman.
It offers elements of minivan practicality and interior space, but is the size of a compact hatchback and it’s completely emissions free. So, if you have at least $42,375 and the above sounds appealing to you, then do go ahead and order one.
The deal sweetens once you learn that the acceptable asking price can be brought down considerably (by as much as $7,500) through the federal tax credit system.
The only real niggle with this unique and distinctly European-feeling electric proposition, and it’s the same one all all-electrics face: the limited range. In this case, it’s quoted at 85 miles or 136 km according to the EPA, but you should know by now that even calling these official numbers relative is an understatement.
The 28 kWh battery pack can regain 60 miles of range (or 96 km) after two hours of charging from a 240V outlet.
Performance is decent. Power comes from a 177hp motor which pushes the car past sixty in 7.9 seconds. It comes with an extra topping of torque, the party piece of these engines; in this case, the number is 251 lb-ft or 340 Nm.
All cars will come very well equipped. Sat-nav, the usual assisted collision culling systems and all the infotainment features you’d ever want will come as standard through a seven-inch touchscreen display.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
