Before the year is through, one can buy the Mercedes-Benz
B-Class Electric Drive with its high-torque electric motor. No, this cannot be
bought in India but somewhere in Europe. The car delivers lively and superior
driving pleasure – with zero local emissions. In Europe, the B-Class Electric Drive is now
available to order. Prices start at Euros 39,151 (Rs 30.03 lakh).
Quiet and local emission-free driving is ensured by a 132 kW
electric motor. It delivers its maximum torque of 340 Nm right from the start.
The result is noticeably powerful acceleration from rest. For the standard
sprint from zero to 100 kmph, the electrically powered B-Class requires only
7.9 seconds. There is is also a choice of three driving programs (Economy Plus,
Economy and Sport).
The car has an "Energy Space" modular body concept
with lithium-ion battery in the under floor. This makes the B-Class Electric
Drive a fully fledged five-seater with a luggage capacity of 501 litres.
The B-Class Electric Drive is available in the equipment
lines Style, Urban and the exclusive Electric Art. The Electric Art equipment
line provides an especially dynamic and distinctive appearance. The two
paintwork finishes available for this model are cirrus white and south sea
blue. Further exterior features include18-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels
with highlights in south sea blue in conjunction with the cirrus white paint
finish, or white highlights in conjunction with south sea blue paintwork. The
louvres on the radiator grille are also painted white/blue, while the side of
the vehicle sports the words "Electric Drive".
The stylishly coordinated interior includes the 3-spoke
multifunction steering wheel in perforated leather with silver-chrome
highlights. The seats and upper section of the dashboard are finished in Artico
man-made leather, in each case with decorative stitching in blue. Further
enhancement comes courtesy of silver-chrome highlights and sail-pattern silver
trim. The final touch is added by floor mats that also feature contrasting
topstitching in blue with the words "Electric Drive".
Among the many other practical details are infra-red
convenience closing and a 12 V socket in the rear.
The optionally available Range Plus allows the range (200
km) of the B-Class Electric Drive to be extended by up to 30 km. Pressing the Range
Plus button in the upper control panel extends the chargeable capacity of the
battery the next time it is charged, i.e. more capacity is released. In
addition to a longer range, Range Plus also includes a heated windscreen,
various insulation measures and heat-insulating, dark-tinted glass.
The B-Class Electric Drive comes as standard with a charging
cable for wallbox and public charging stations. Each battery is certified by
Mercedes-Benz as a guarantee of performance. This ensures that technical
malfunctions within a period of eight years after initial delivery or
registration, or up to a mileage of 100,000 kilometres, will be rectified by
Mercedes-Benz.