The first volume production B-Class Electric Drive by Mercedes-Benz can be ordered from the present day on. There are two model lines - Sport and Electric Art.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is capable of travelling up to 142 miles on a single charge and can speed up from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds due to its electric motor which develops 180 HP and 340 NM of torque. With the Tesla-developed technology, the B-Class Electric Drive represents the fastest accelerating five-seat electric car in its range. Still though, it preserves all the flexibility of the B-Class on which it's based. The car has enough space to carry five adults and a 501-litre boot – rising to 1,456-litres when the seats are folded down.

Prices for the B-Class Electric Drive start at £31,950 for the Sport model. Subject to approval, an OLEV grant (£5,000) can be applied, reducing the price to £26,950. The Electric Art has a starting price of £32,245 which will be reduced to £27,245 if the OLEV grant is applied.

The Sport model is equipped with an original design for the front and rear bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a seven-inch central display, Artico trim, automatic climate control, a reversing camera and cruise control. This model is available in eight paint colors.

The Electric Art model does not have the same variety of colors like the Sport. It comes in either Cirrus White or South Seas Blue. Its features include contrasting mirrors and radiator grille elements, 18-inch dual color alloy wheels, automatic climate control, contrast blue stitching for the seats and aluminium trim.

The lithium-ion batteries that power the B-Class Electric Drive are placed under the floor of the car which allows the car to keep its standard cabin room and boot space. There is a fast charging cable supplied with the car which makes charging via a wall box or public charging station much easier. The battery is fully recovered in between three or four hours.

Making the most of the capabilities of the B-Class Electric Drive is the optional Energy Assist Package (£945) with adaptive energy recuperation systems to scan road conditions.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (2014)
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Source: Mercedes-Benz