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2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Mercedes announces B-Class pricing to start at $41,450

Earlier today, Mercedes announced the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive will cost $41,450 when it goes on sale in the US later this summer. Based on the B-Class European hatchback model, the Electric Drive variant will only be sold in North America.

The Mercedes Benz B-Class Electric Drive’s closest rival is the 2014 BMW i3 that just recently hit US shores. At $42,275 after destination charges, the BMW i3 is $100 cheaper than the B-Class’s $42,375 with destination. The biggest difference between the two vehicles is that the BMW i3 comes with an optional $3850 range extender that provides up to 200 miles of range. Continue reading

2014 b-class electric drive

Range mode increases electric range by 15%, battery pack larger than previously thought

All along, Mercedes Benz has been saying their B-Class Electric Drive battery pack has a capacity of 28 kWh. Since the B-Class EV weighs in around 3900 pounds, all the best estimates put the usable amount around 25 kWh, resulting in an electric range at around 80 miles.

At the New York Auto Show this past week, however, Tom Moloughney (you likely recognize his name from his involvement and coverage of the BMW i3, and he also reports on InsideEVs periodically) was able to talk with a Mercedes representative and he learned that the 28 kWh rating is not the total battery pack capacity – it’s the usable energy!

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