Mercedes-Benz has revealed a facelifted version of the B-class Electric Drive ahead of car’s a planned public at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.
The easiest way to recognise a facelifted B-Class Electric Drive is from the front: a new bumper, wide radiator trim with two louvres and now integral daytime running lamps in the headlamps give the vehicle a more organic and dynamic appearance. The rear bumper has also been modified and now features a contoured covering and an additional chrome trim strip.
A high-grade, functional interior underscores the B-Class’s premium quality claim. The facelift gives the vehicle a more exclusive, up-to-date feel and boosts the scope for individualisation. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced a number of high-quality details in the B-Class Electric Drive such as the large, free-standing head unit display, which is now larger, with a diagonal of up to 20.3 cm (8 inches), and the stylish dial layout for the instrument cluster. There is a choice of 12 colours for the ambient lighting, allowing different moods to be created.
Mercedes-Benz has also revised the model range and aligned the logic to the other compact models. There are three new design and equipment lines: Style, Urban and AMG Line. Each features a number of distinctive exterior and interior details. The Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages build on these and provide more options for individualisation.
KEYLESS-GO is new as an optional extra. This access and drive authorisation system with KEYLESS-GO starting function allows the vehicle to be opened, started and locked simply by carrying the electronic key with you.
When it made its début, the B-Class redefined the standard of safety in the compact class with a variety of new driving assistance systems, some of them included as standard equipment. These functions have now been enhanced and new assistance systems added to give the driver more support. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS extends the functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. The standard ATTENTION ASSIST feature has also been upgraded: operating within an extended speed range (60 – 200 km/h), this now uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver’s current attention level.
Next-generation telematics offer more intuitive operation; functions are more accessible due to animated menus and visual representations on a larger display in the head unit.
“Mercedes connect me” links the B-Class to its environment. Basic Mercedes connect me services can be used with the standard communications module.
The available services include, among others, accident recovery, as well as service maintenance and incident management. In an accident, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system automatically connects the occupants with the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Centre and sends the position and condition of the vehicle to the rescue operations centre. A rescue vehicle can then be dispatched immediately. The system works automatically but can also be triggered manually.
Mercedes connect me services are even more extensive for the B-Class Electric Drive: Via “connect.mercedes.me”. The current charging level of the lithium-ion battery and current vehicle range can be queried comfortably from a distance. The range of Mercedes connect me services is rounded off by the ability (depending on the temperature) to preheat or precool the vehicle ready for a specified departure time.
COMAND Online customers are also able to receive real-time traffic information courtesy of Live Traffic Information.
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive use modular ENERGY SPACE body concept to house the lithium-ion battery pack. Due to this intelligent packaging method, the five-seater model has been able to retain the generously proportioned luggage compartment for which it is known.
Set facelifted B-Class Electric Drive goes on sale on November-3rd.
All models with alternative drive systems at a glance:
| Model | B-Class Electric Drive |
| Rated output (kW/hp at rpm) | 132/180 |
| Rated torque (Nm at rpm) | 340 |
| Fuel consumption, combined, from | 16.6 kWh/100 km |
| Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km) | 0 |
| Efficiency class | A+ |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 7.9 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 160 |
| Price | not yet available |
