2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Pricing Announced

Things are heating up in the premium-EV segment. The folks at Mercedes-Benz are poised to introduce their new B-Class Electric Drive. Pricing for this small people-hauler was just announced.

And it isn’t necessarily cheap. Entry-level models kick off at $41,450 before any rebates or subsidies are factored in. That’s about 100 bucks more than BMW’s all-new i3 model, though the Benz cannot be had with a gasoline range-extender. A Bimmer so equipped costs about four grand more than its entry-level price.

By comparison the similarly sized but more mainstream Ford C-Max Energi Hybrid starts around $33,000. It features a gasoline engine for long-distance driving and a claimed electric range of roughly 21 miles.

But back to the B-Class. This small crossover-style vehicle features a 177 hp electric motor that delivers 251 lb-ft of torque.  Juice is provided by an advanced lithium-ion battery that was co-developed with Tesla. This pack provides a maximum driving range of 85 miles and a zero to 60 time of 7.5 seconds.

The B-Class Electric Drive’s top speed is limited to 100 miles an hour, though charging the battery is not as quick. It can be replenished to a range of about 60 miles in less than two hours using a 240-volt charger.

The car’s interior features a 5.8-inch display screen for showcasing the company’s COMAND infotainment system. Navigation and voice-control technologies are available at extra cost.

This new, all-electric Mercedes is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

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[Source: Motor Authority]