Mercedes-BenzUSA announced pricing for the all-new 2014 B-Class Electric Drive, which is the first electric offering for the brand in the United States.
The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive is priced at $41,450, excluding $925 destination and delivery. Customers may be eligible for federal tax credits (which run up to $7,500) or state/local tax credits, which further enhance the overall offering.
The 2014 B-Class Electric Vehicle will be available beginning in mid-July, 2014 to dealers in the following states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 50-state availability will be announced in 2015.
The B-Class Electric Drive sets clear standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety for up to five occupants. The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive includes the following standard equipment:
– All Electric Front Wheel Drive
– 28 kWh lithium-ion battery
– Becker MAP PILOT navigation system
– COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist
– ATTENTION ASSIST
– 3 years of mbrace2 – including access to EV apps and Vehicle Home Page
– 17″ Alloy Wheels
All B-Class Electric Drive vehicles will be covered by Battery Coverage Plus which includes 8-year, 100,000 mile worry-free battery coverage, coverage for defects, coverage for capacity, no cost annual maintenance, and Roadside Assistance.
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, regardless of whether the vehicle is in “E” efficiency or “S” sport mode. 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 B-Class Electric Drive also features a full regenerative mode (D-), normal drive (D), and coasting (D+) feature. The “D Auto” feature features a unique radar-based recuperation, which adjusts speeds depending on traffic in front of the vehicle.
The power supply to the electric drive is delivered via a high-performance 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.
Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, the 2014 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.
