All-New Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
The new B-Class Electric Drive has a surprise in store with its very special dynamic driving experience: it really accelerates powerfully and glides over the road with hardly a sound. The driver and passengers in the B-Class Electric Drive can enjoy accustomed high driving comfort in a high-quality, precision-built, generously spacious interior. The B-Class Electric Drive combines dynamism and driving pleasure with zero emissions locally. In short: this is electric driving at premium level.
Quiet, locally zero-emission drive is provided by a 132 kW-strong electric motor which – typical of electric drive – delivers the maximum torque of 340 newton metres right from the moment the accelerator pedal is touched; that corresponds to the torque of a modern three-litre petrol engine. The result is truly powerful acceleration from zero. Even on the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h, the electrically powered B-Class only takes 7.9 seconds. Confident driving and pleasure at a high dynamic level are thus guaranteed in any situation. The energy supply to the electric drive is provided by a powerful lithium-ion battery. It is stored safely in a space-saving manner in the so-called “Energy Space” in the vehicle underbody. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater can still retain the renowned generous interior and boot space (501 l – 1456 l) of the B-Class.
The top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h in order to increase the range. This is approximately 200 kilometres, depending on the drive cycle. This means that not only zero-emission urban and local driving is easy, but also longer journeys – such as many commuters’ daily journeys to work in rush-hour traffic. The B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any household power point. For a range of 100 kilometres, the charging time is less than 1.5 hours at 400V/ 16A in Europe. When driving in overrun mode, the electric drive itself contributes towards a favourable energy balance by means of recuperation, transforming kinetic energy into electric current which is fed into the battery.
The interior is true to Mercedes-Benz high comfort standards. Fine-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, exquisite details and precise working make it clear that electric driving is defined by the discerning philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The three large circular vents in the middle and their unique cruciform nozzles are sporty attributes that contribute to the emotional design idiom of the interior. Above the vents, the monitor which appears to float freely stands for the telematic system – a modern eye-catcher in the cockpit.
Thanks to the latest technology, the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (because it is a locally zero-emission vehicle) and agile (high-torque and therefore with a kick): it is also well connected. The Mercedes connect me enables easy remote polling and vehicle configuration. The driver can gain internet access to the vehicle easily via computer or smartphone. This means that you can request the current battery charge status or the current range. Also, the planned route can be displayed. Thus you can see at a glance where you can recharge, if necessary. The range is supplemented by the possibility to preheat the vehicle to an individually selectable time or pre-cool it. If the preconditioning is used while charging, not only the comfort increases, but also the effective range, since the secondary consumers (eg air conditioning) are less stressed while driving.
Source: Mercedes, please read more.
