2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric

Trim	B 250e
MSRP	$39,900
Key	LED daytime running lights
Features	air-conditioning
	keyless entry
	10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support
	Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
	7-inch display screen
	audio system with a USB port and HD radio
	Mercedes' COMAND interface and Mbrace emergency communications

The only 250e trim of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback features the front-mounted 132-kilowatt electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The 1-speed direct drive transmission and front-wheel drive system remain team up with the motor.

What we recommend?

The 250e trim of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback becomes more exciting on including the packages like Premium 2 and Premium 3, with features like a larger 8-inch infotainment screen.

The EPA estimated range for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback is 84 miles, which means it translates to 85 MPGe in the cities and 82 MPGe on the highways. You can avail an extended 15 miles with the standard range-extending feature but it recommended to use it only occasionally as regular use results in premature battery degradation.

Model	Mercedes-Benz B 250e	BMW i3 60Ah	Volkswagen e-golf	Chevrolet Bolt EV
MPG (city)	85	137	126	128
MPG (highway)	82	111	111	110
MPG (combined)	84	124	119	119

The Mercedes Benz has the lowest range in cities, highway and combined when compared to its rivals. The BMW has the best figures of 137 MPGe in cities, 111 MPGe on highways and 124 MPGe combined. The Volkswagen and Chevrolet share an equal of 119 MPGe combined; while the Volkswagen has a 111 MPGe in cities against the 110 MPGe of Chevrolet, the latter does better in cities with 128 MPGe against the 126 MPGe of the former.

Seating and comfort

The interiors of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback are quite roomier than what many EVs can claim. The seats have a tendency to feel a little too firm and the abundance of hard plastics can be bothering.

Model	Mercedes-Benz B 250e	BMW i3 60Ah	Volkswagen e-golf	Chevrolet Bolt EV
Passenger capacity	5	4	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.0/55.5/-	39.6/53.6/40.5	38.4/55.9/41.2	39.7/54.6/41.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.0/54.4/-	37.2/49.2/31.9	38.1/53.9/35.6	37.9/52.8/36.5

All the cars have a passenger capacity of five expect for the BMW that can accommodate only four passengers.

The Mercedes Benz has the most generous front row headroom while the Chevrolet enjoys the most legroom. Meanwhile, as the Volkswagen suffers from the lack of enough headroom, the BMW fall victim to the lack of legroom.

As for the rear passengers, the Mercedes has a congested headroom space while the Volkswagen boasts a spacious one. The Chevrolet accommodates the most legroom while the BMW suffers tremendously.

Interior Features

•  10 way power adjustable driver and passenger seat
•  Foldable centre armrest
•  Split folding rear seatback
•  Rear ventilation ducts
•  4 one touch power windows
•  External temperature display
•  Tilt and telescopic electric power steering with audio controls
•  Interior air filtration
• Infotainment
• You can find a 5.8-inch display screen in the COMAND system with Advanced Parking Assist, USB ports and Navigational facilities.
• USB connection
•  Memory card slot
•  AM/FM stereo
•  Harman Kardon Premium Audio

Cargo

The strong suit of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback is its generous cargo space of 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. When the rear seatbacks folds, the available space increases to 51.4 cubic feet.

Model	Mercedes-Benz B 250e	BMW i3 60Ah	Volkswagen e-golf	Chevrolet Bolt EV
Cargo Volume to rear seat up (ft.3)	21.6	15.1	22.8	16.9
Cargo Volume to rear seat folded (ft.3)	51.4	36.9	52.7	N/A

With the rear seats up, the Volkswagen has the most cargo space of 22.8 cubic feet while the BMW has the least accommodating trunk space of 15.1 cubic feet.

When the rear seats fold, the Volkswagen continues to house most cargo space of 52.7 cubic feet in the lot while the BMW still doesn't cope and has the lowest of 36.9 cubic feet.

 

Dimensions and Weight

For an electric vehicle, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback has considerably larger body dimensions, which tries to compensate for its bland and generic exterior styling.

Model	Mercedes-Benz B 250e	BMW i3 60Ah	Volkswagen e-golf	Chevrolet Bolt EV
Curb weight (lbs.)	3924	2799	2455	3563
Length(in)	171.5	157.0	168.1	164.0
Width(in)	71.3	70.0	70.8	69.5
Height(in)	62.5	62.0	57.2	62.8
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	5.5	5.0	6.0
Wheelbase (in)	106.2	101.0	103.5	102.4
Track width (in) F/R	60.7/60.4	61.9/62.0	60.8/59.5	59.1/59.1

The Mercedes Benz is the heaviest, longest, widest and has the largest wheelbase among the four. The BMW has the least length and wheelbase whereas the Volkswagen weighs the lightest, has the least height and ground clearance. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet is least wide, is the talent and has the largest ground clearance among the four.

Exterior Features

• Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
•  Rear defogger and wiper
•  Rear Liftgate door with fixed window
•  Cargo tie downs
•  Brake drying
•  Daytime running lights
•  Dusk sensing headlamps

 

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback doesn't compromise with safety and comes with some of the latest tech like Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist for an unharmed ride experience for both the driver and the passengers.

• Park Assist Rear Parking Sensors
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Collision Prevention Assist Forward Collision

BMW i3 60ah

With a carbon fiber and aluminum structure, the BMW i3 is quite a unique electric car due to its unconventional and unmistakable characteristics. The 170 horsepower electric motor makes the car very sport and has exceptionally good driving dynamics, thanks to its larger wheels and special suspension. In comparison with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback, the BMW has a slight lower power output but that doesn't hamper its faster acceleration. The braking is better too and so is the tremendously efficient driving range. It does have a lower passenger capacity and cargo space.

Volkswagen e-Golf

Making its way into the list of affordable electric vehicles, the Volkswagen e-Golf doesn't let the reputation of its gasoline-based sibling down. The 35.8kWh battery powers the 100-kilowatt electric motor and comes with an onboard charger. The battery components don't meddle with the passenger space, thanks to its novel packaging. Safety features parking assist and automated emergency braking are available. When compared with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback, the Volkswagen falls tremendously behind in its power output that in turn results in a slower acceleration. However, it impresses with its brakes and fuel economy.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

The fun to drive and quick Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the league leaders in the race of electric vehicles in the market. It handles rough roads very easily and the 200 horsepower electric motor takes credit for its awesome acceleration. Up against the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback, the Bolt has a very power output, better acceleration, struggles a little in its braking but copes up really well with its outstanding fuel economy.

 

 

For a mid-priced electric vehicle, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Hatchback is something you would be able to ignore completely. It has some interesting stats and makes it a good bargain.With some changes in its exterior styling and better use of interior materials, the Mercedes Benz would be complete.As for our recommendation, it's slightly costlier than the better performing Chevrolet Bolt and we would say its better if you wait it out until it comes up with some upgrades.