This summer Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive, which will go head to head with the BMW i3 electric car. The B-Class Electric Drive not only offers the comfort and quality that buyers expect from Mercedes-Benz, but it’s also powered by an electric drive system from Tesla Motors.
The B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventional B-Class MPV that is sold in Europe. Thanks to its versatile MPV body style, the B-Class Electric Drive has a small footprint – but it can still hold up to five passengers with plenty of cargo space. The lithium-ion battery also rides under the floor of the MPV, so it doesn’t reduce the amount of cargo capacity like in some other electric vehicles.
Related: Mercedes-Benz Debuts 2014 B-Class Electric Drive at the New York Auto Show!
The B-Class Electric Drive is powered by a 177 horsepower electric motor that’s borrowed from Tesla. Mercedes-Benz estimates that it will reach 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds and it will be able to travel up to 85 miles between charges. The B-Class Electric Drive can be charged from any standard domestic power socket. A 2 hour charge at 240V will yield a driving range of 60 miles.
The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive has a starting price of $41,450, which is just $100 more than the BMW i3 before any federal or tax credits.
+ Mercedes-Benz
