Review Car

2015 Mercedes B Class Specs And Price Review-This can be a Mercedes-Benz B-class Power Drive, the manufacturer’s 100 % pure electric version with the newly facelifted B-class. Rather than follow the lead with the BMW i3 and build a stainless steel car around the all-new architecture, this EV is dependant on the standard manufacturing car, which has needed the minimum of amount engineering changes.

Taking inspiration from your original A- in addition to B-class models, the new-generation car contains the option of a ‘sandwich’ version with the rear half with the car’s platform.

Known as the ‘Energy Space’ by means of Mercedes, raising the bottom in the rear 1 / 2 the cabin opens up underfloor space, which, in the actual EV, accommodates the lithium-ion battery pack. This space is also used by the actual natural gas-powered version with the B-class to allow for three gas tanks.

The upshot is which the B-class is because effectively as spacious since the mainstream versions, so this means a good 500-litre footwear, generous head and legroom and also the option of a fold-forward front traveling seat, which allows loads well over two metres long to get swallowed.

The electric drive system has been sourced from Tesla (interestingly, your day this production car premiered to the click was same day Daimler disposed of its four percent stake in Tesla, which in turn it had used since 2009).

The B-class Electric Drive includes a three-mode operation. Economy Plus – designed for constant steady-speed travels – reduces the output with the motor to simply just 83bhp and top speed to 68mph. Economy reduces output to 132bhp and Sport provides the motor’s full 179bhp. Nevertheless, the two Economy modes could be overridden and full power and torque accessed by the driver using the actual kickdown function.

Should the ‘Collision Prevent Aid Plus’ system is added as an optional extra, this B-class acquires a really neat radar-assisted recuperative braking program. Using information from your radar about nys of traffic ahead, the car are able to use battery-charging braking for you to slow itself or, when the highway ahead is apparent and/or downhill, switch to ‘sailing mode’ which in turn doesn’t use any power supply.

Fully recharging the B-class by using a 16-amp home wall socket will need around nine hours in the event the battery is empty. Using a 400-volt three-phase electrical energy supply (rather more usual in Asia than Europe), the car could be recharged in simply just three hours.

The facts like?

Very extraordinary indeed. In conditions of all-round accomplishment and pace, the electric B-class is more effective than its inside combustion engine cousin cars. Indeed, the car’s trouble-free torque and near-silent advance puts it in the category of its own.

This car contains the refinement that could shame some luxury models and the kind of effortless overtaking ability that could trouble some scorching hatches.

What’s most disorientating is these two sides connected with motoring excellence are delivered in the humble-looking baby MPV. It’s hard to work out why, but even the actual steering response in addition to ride quality with the electric B-class is markedly much better than what we familiar with the all-wheel-drive B220 and also the gas-powered B200.

About the wider issue with the facelift, there’s without doubt that B-Class looks far better. The somewhat melted appearance with the original version has been fixed thanks to a bit more taught front bumper layout and wheels in which now properly fill the arches.

It’s likewise a handy size, well-packaged and very well finished inside. The particular big, tablet-sized screen on the dashboard might look a bit clunky, but is ideally placed and also the graphics and demonstration of Mercedes-Benzs sat-nav system is first rate.

Should I obtain one?

There’s no doubt that is a delightful car they are driving, genuinely enjoyable in addition to satisfying. The downside, of course, may be the limited range with the electric B-class and – with no supply of business three-phase electricity – the actual lengthy recharge moment.

True, being capable to replenish the battery overnight would be fine for anybody whose daily mileage is a lot less than 100 miles. The price tag on this car (post government grant) is about that of any B220 diesel with an automatic transmission. When it comes to driving pleasure its leagues ahead.

As odd as may seem, any lover connected with driving ability will like the B-class, regardless of its market position as being a truly ‘green’ MPV.

Price c£27,000 (including government grant); 0-62mph 7.9sec; Top speed 99mph; Economy 18.0kW/h per 100km; Range 124 miles; CO2 zero at tailpipe; Kerbweight 1725kg; Engine asynchronous electric motor; 28kWh lithium-ion battery; Power 179bhp; Torque 251lb ft; Gearbox single speed automatic, variable energy regeneration