Mercedes-Benz has chosen the Paris Auto Show to showcase an all-electric version of its compact MPV in the form of the B-Class Electric Drive concept.
The B-Class study is one of the first to receive the “Electric Drive” designation, which from now on will adorn all electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz and Smart.
The Concept B-Class Electric Drive features an electric motor with an output of 100 kW (134HP) and 310 Nm (228.6 lb-ft) of torque and according to the company, has a range of 200 km (125 miles).
The battery is placed in the so-called “Energy Space” at the floor ahead of the rear axle, ensuring that the all-electric B-Class offers the same interior space as the conventionally-powered versions. It can be charged through any standard domestic 230V power outlet as well as a rapid charging, 400V high-voltage terminal.
Mercedes-Benz also confirmed that the B-Class concept will spawn a production version, which is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 and will join the SLS AMG E-Cell and the Smart Brabus Electric Drive models.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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