The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its debut with a dynamic design, high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for local emission-free driving. This makes for lively and effortless driving pleasure over a range of around 115 miles (200 km). In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connected services, it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety. Bearing the Mercedes star as an unmistakable trademark, the B-Class Electric Drive will be launched first in the USA at the beginning of 2014, where it will be the first luxury battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz in the market.
The new B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience, delivering decidedly powerful acceleration while gliding along the road practically silently. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort of a well designed, high-quality interior offering a generous amount of space. The B-Class Electric Drive thus combines dynamism and driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short, electric driving at the premium level.
According to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing: “The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”
Quiet and local emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor generating more than 100 kW. Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 310 Nm is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern petrol engine with a displacement of 3.0 litres. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires considerably less than ten seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.
A powerful lithium-ion battery feeds energy to the electric drive and is accommodated in the so-called “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor – a solution which is both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior space and luggage space of the B-Class.
The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) in the interests of operating range. Depending on the respective driving cycle, the range is around 115 miles (200 km). This means that in addition to emission-free driving in urban traffic and on short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems – such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters going to work, for example. The B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard household power socket. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 km) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.
While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favourable energy balance through recuperation, by converting kinetic energy into electric current in deceleration mode and during braking and feeding this energy into the battery.
The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available for sale from the beginning of 2014.
