Carsales Staff•21 Sept 2012
NEWS
PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Benz electrifies B-Class
Mercedes-Benz unveils all-electric B-Class in lead-up to its Paris show debutWe saw the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class and now Mercedes-Benz has lifted the lid on a more conventional – if EVs will ever be known as such – electric version of its B-segment hatchback.
Due to make its global debut at the Paris motor show in precisely a week, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive will be presented alongside the production version of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive and the smart BRABUS electric drive.
Benz says the battery-powered B-Class will be the first of many new models to bear the ‘Electric Drive’ nameplate, which will appear on the boot lids of all battery-electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and smart. Described as a “particularly family-friendly” electric car, Mercedes says the B-Class ED is almost ready for series production and will be launched in 2014.
So far there is no word on where the electrified B-Class will be made available, but Europe and North America are far more likely destinations than Australia, where the three-pointed star is yet to commit to joining Lexus, Infiniti, BMW and Audi in releasing its first hybrid model.
The B-Class ED concept incorporates a lithium-ion battery in the ‘Energy Space’ beneath the floor of the vehicle ahead of its front axle, lowering the centre of gravity and maintaining the standard model’s occupant and luggage space. Charged via a standard 230-volt household power outlet or a special 400-volt fast-charger, it feeds power to a 100kW/300Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels for a maximum claimed range of some 200km – more than most EVs.
“In the B-Class, Mercedes-Benz has at its disposal an extremely versatile car which is suitable for the most diverse types of drive – from combustion engines through battery-powered drives to the fuel cell,” said Merc.
“Thanks to Energy Space, the B-Class is the ultimate all-rounder and the Mercedes trailblazer for alternative drives in the compact premium automobile segment.”
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Written byCarsales Staff
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