Mercedes-Benz USA
Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive a rolling contradiction? Under its hood, this car has a futuristic motor. But sit inside and it feels luxurious and comfortable, as if it were made for today.
While the B-Class seats five and has plenty of cargo space, its electric engine - built in partnership with Tesla - can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is pretty astonishing for an electric vehicle, let alone one you might be using to haul the kids to soccer practice. It also comes with standard luxuries and the latest safety features, such as a radar-based collision prevention feature that can significantly reduce the danger of rear-end collision.
"When it comes to electric vehicles, we want you to experience everything that you associate with Mercedes-Benz," says Mark A. Webster, General Manager of eMobility at Mercedes-Benz USA. Take a closer look at the dashboard: Instead of the usual tachometer and fuel information, there's a power-usage gauge with detailed range and electricity-use information. The B-Class also comes with a vehicle homepage that allows its owners to determine their battery's current state of charge and current range on a map.
Webster says driving the B-Class is "like stepping into the future" because electric cars have immediate full power. "Often with a normal internal combustion engine, you have to wait for the car to ramp up to maybe 2,800 RPMs." With an EV, there's instant power and zero emissions. "Race car drivers even love the B-Class for that," Webster says. "It glides forward, with all of its torque, immediately."
Unlike gas- or diesel-powered cars - or even hybrids, which can start making noise at higher speeds - the B-Class reaches 60 quietly. The only sound you'll hear might be the tires on the roadway, giving you a serene sensation of control.
On a full charge, the B-Class will zip along for 87 miles. And with two hours of charging on a 240v charger, the car will go for 60 miles. Owners with the optional Range Plus feature can get an additional 15 miles when the feature is activated during charging. Interestingly, B-Class owners don't have to worry about leaving the car unattended for long periods while it's charging, as it won't damage the battery. "You can leave it plugged in for months," Webster says.
Charging an EV isn't too different from the way you treat all the other electric devices in your life. "Imagine your smartphone," Webster says. "You're in the habit of re-charging it every night. That's the lifestyle of the electric vehicle owner." Shopping malls and workplaces are starting to offer free or low-cost charging, so owners can charge their cars throughout the day.
Over time, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain. Keeping the B-Class powered is estimated to cost about $700 per year. Gas-powered cars, on the other hand, are about $2,300 a year to keep fueled (and those fuel-hogging, giant SUVs cost even more). Purchasing an electric vehicle also qualifies you for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
So who should buy an EV? "Personally, I think you have to have different options for different types of vehicles," Webster says. "At Mercedes, we're not putting all of our eggs in a single propulsion basket. If you're on a long haul - let's say you're driving from New Jersey to Pittsburgh on a regular basis - then a diesel engine might be right for you. In other situations, an S-Class is the best. It all depends on use. But if you're going on a standard commute, the B-Class is great. It's also for people who care about our dwindling resources or want an excellent second car."
Given that the average American commutes only about 40 miles a day (or less), the B-Class can work for a lot of people, especially if they can charge their vehicles while they're at work. "We're not asking customers to change the way they live. We want them to have luxury and performance but still get a zero-emissions car. When owners are sitting in these vehicles, with the exception of the power gauge, it feels like a normal Mercedes-Benz. I think that's pretty cool."
Learn more about the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive.
Find out more about Sponsor Posts.