This one is my close favorite electric cars. Mercedes electric car at the New York Auto Show!

The all-new 2014 model year Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its world debut. All at the New York International Auto Show (I call it my show lol). The Electric Drive shows off a dynamic design. Also high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for completely emission-free driving. This makes for a lively drive with an estimated range of more than 100 miles (200 km).

In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be conveniently checked and configured. All via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort. In addition to quality and safety. The B-Class Electric Drive will have its global launch. That’s in the USA in mid-2014. As well as be the first luxury battery electric car. Especially from Mercedes-Benz in the market.

The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience. Thereby delivering decidedly brisk acceleration. All the while gliding along the road in near perfect silence. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort. For that’s of a well designed, high-quality interior offering generous space. The B-Class Electric Drive offers driving pleasure with zero local emissions. All in short, electric driving at the premium level.

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. That’s namely: safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”

Powerful and lively drive system

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class. One which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly driving. All at the Mercedes level. For that’s with its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle will only be introduced with battery electric drive.

Quiet and locally emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor. All with more than 174 hp (130 kW). Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft.  I mean it is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal. For this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern gasoline engine. For that’s with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This also results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h).

For the electric-powered B-Class requires less than eight seconds.

This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic. As well as exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.

In addition, the powerful lithium-ion battery is accommodated in the “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor. For that’s both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging. Because the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior. As well as luggage space of the B-Class.

Emission-free even over longer distances

The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h). All in the interests of operating range. The range is more than 100 miles (200 kilometers), according to the respective driving cycle. This means that in addition to emission-free urban driving and short-range trips. So longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems. I mean such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.

While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favorable energy balance. Thats by converting kinetic energy into electric current. All on the overrun and during braking. Also it feeds this energy into the battery (recuperation).

Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design

Refined sportiness together with visual appeal – the new B-Class Electric Drive is another example of the self-assured and dynamic Mercedes design. That’s with powerful, tense lines and finely styled details. The front and rear sets the tone for the vehicle’s width. Also with a wide, prominent front grille. Moreover headlamps extending into the vehicle sides. In addition, a wide rear window and two-piece tail lamps. Finally and a large tailgate with a low loading sill. The side sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps. I mean they exude dynamic. The charging socket is inconspicuously installed behind the charging flap.

Sporty interior with premium details

The interior underscores the high comfort standards of Mercedes-Benz. Highquality materials and finely structured surfaces. Also premium details, and precise finishing. For they emphasize the fact that electric driving is defined at a very high level. I mean according to the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The three large, round air vents in the center. All with their distinctively designed cross-form nozzles are sporty features. Those that contribute to the emotional design language of the interior. Above the air vents is the display screen. That’s for the telematics system which appears to be free-floating. Thereby a modern, eye-catching feature of the cockpit.

When it comes to information and communication systems, the B-Class Electric Drive offers convenience and outstanding functionality that is signature luxury typical of Mercedes-Benz. Standard onboard features include the Audio 20 with a 14.7 cm color screen, a twin tuner, an MP3-capable CD player and a USB connection. Navigation is provided by the Becker® MAP PILOT. The multimedia system COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control is available as an optional extra.

Functions specific to electric vehicles have been added to the instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive. A power display in the dial instrument has been added on the right. Its needle rises in a clockwise direction from the green to the red area when power is being consumed, and drops below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding recuperative energy back into the battery.

Full connectivity

Its modern technology ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (locally emission-free) and agile (because of its high torque and acceleration), but also fully networked. Remote check-up and remote configuration of the vehicle is conveniently possible via the Vehicle Homepage. The driver can easily access his vehicle through the internet, using a PC or smartphone. In this way, it is possible to check the current charge status of the lithium-ion battery or to verify the vehicle’s current range on a map. The planned route can also be displayed, immediately showing whether and where the vehicle can be recharged along the way. The range of services for connectivity is rounded off with a pre-entry climate control option offering individually timed pre-heating or cooling. This advance air conditioning makes the B-Class Electric Drive the unrivalled benchmark in its segment.

Big on safety

Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards. Especially to the B-Class Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”. For the battery is safely accommodated under the floor for crash protection. In addition, Mercedes-Benz already equips this innovative electric car with the radar-based accident warning system.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

That’s with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance system gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning of recognized obstacles. For TT prepares him for braking action and Daimler Communications, assists him. All with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additionally, more modern driver assistance systems are available. So among them Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Park Assist.

Electric driving made by Mercedes-Benz

Locally emission-free electric vehicles are it. I mean such as the new B-Class Electric Drive. For they are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy. Especially for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is reasserting its claim to leadership. Most importantly in this sector with electric cars. All which are fully suitable for everyday use. These include the B-Class F-CELL. As well as the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive (TBD for USA). The smart fortwo electric drive which launched last year in Europe. For it received a positive response from customers. Since the middle of last year, much more than 1,000 vehicles have been produced and delivered. The all-new smart fortwo electric drive is available in U.S. stores. All since May 2013. The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available in the USA. That’s starting in 2014 and then the European launch will follow.

Preliminary Technical Data

Output more than 174 hp (130 kW)
Torque 250 lb.-ft.
Range 100+ miles [US City], 200 km [NEFZ]
Charging time for a range of 60 miles [US City] (100 km [NEDC]) USA: 2 hours 40 A/240 V (ECE: 1.5 hours 400V)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 7.9 s
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h), electronically limited

Quick Reference Guide: 2014 B-Class Electric Drive:

Customer Availability:

B-Class Electric Drive – mid-2014
Performance:

2014 B-Class Electric Drive (174 hp/130 kW, 250 lb.-ft., 100+ mile range [city])
Standard Feature Highlights:

28 kWh lithium-ion battery
Charging time range for 60 miles: 2
hours

0-60 in less than 7.9 seconds

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST w/ Adaptive Brake Assist
Audio 20 with 5.8’’ color screen
MP3-capable CD player and USB
connection
Becker MAP PILOT
LED daytime running lamp
Optional Feature Highlights:

COMAND Online with internet access,
navigation and voice control
Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Active Parking Assist

Source: Mercedes