The 2017 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric Drive, also known as the B250e, represents Mercedes-Benz’s foray into the electric vehicle market, offering a premium electric hatchback with a focus on comfort, features, and performance. This model aimed to blend the practicality of the B-Class with the efficiency and modern appeal of an electric powertrain. Let’s delve into a detailed exploration of what makes the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric a noteworthy option in the EV landscape.
The standard equipment list for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric is quite generous, emphasizing the vehicle’s premium positioning. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and incorporates practical and stylish LED daytime running lights. Features like a heated windshield and automatic wipers enhance driving convenience, particularly in inclement weather. Inside, drivers and passengers benefit from air-conditioning, keyless entry, and comfortable premium vinyl upholstery. The front seats are power-adjustable in 10 ways and include 4-way power lumbar support, along with memory settings for up to three drivers, ensuring personalized comfort. Practicality is further enhanced by 60/40-split folding rear seats, cruise control for relaxed highway driving, and forward collision mitigation for added safety. Technology is well-integrated with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch display screen, Mercedes’ intuitive COMAND interface, and Mbrace emergency communications. For entertainment, an audio system with a USB port and HD radio is standard. A unique standard feature is the deep-charging mode, designed to maximize range when needed, offering a few extra miles between charges.
Mercedes-Benz offered a range of optional packages to customize the 2017 B Class Electric Drive. The Electric Blue Interior package provides a distinctive aesthetic with top-stitched blue and gray vinyl upholstery and unique dash and door trim. For a more luxurious feel, the Interior package includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and top-stitched vinyl trim accents. The Premium 1 package focuses on technology and convenience with radar-based regenerative braking, which intelligently adjusts braking based on traffic, keyless entry and ignition, and satellite radio. Stepping up to the Premium 2 package adds high-intensity bi-xenon headlights for improved visibility, auto-dimming mirrors, a universal garage door opener, an upgraded 8-inch video screen display, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system for enhanced sound quality. The top-tier Premium 3 package includes features like a rearview camera for easier parking, the COMAND navigation system with voice controls, an in-dash CD/DVD player, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and five years of satellite traffic and weather services, providing a comprehensive suite of technology features.
Beyond packages, several stand-alone options were available for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric. The Smartphone Integration System package, also available in higher trim packages, offered Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality for seamless smartphone integration. Heated front seats could be added individually for enhanced comfort in colder climates. Genuine wood trim and multicolor ambient lighting allowed for further interior personalization. Safety and convenience could be augmented with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring system, and automated parallel parking assist. Mercedes-Benz also provided Mbrace system enhancements: Connect, Concierge, and Entertain. Connect offers remote vehicle access and diagnostics, a vehicle finder, and smartphone-based services. Concierge provides traffic, weather, and turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Entertain includes streaming radio and music services, expanding in-car entertainment options.
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e is a front-mounted 132-kilowatt electric motor, drawing energy from a lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the vehicle floor. This electric motor delivers a robust 177 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. This powertrain configuration provides brisk acceleration and responsive driving dynamics typical of electric vehicles, making city and highway driving enjoyable and effortless.
The EPA estimated range for the 2017 B250e is 84 miles on a full charge. In terms of efficiency, it achieves an EPA rating of 85 mpge in the city and 82 mpge on the highway. The standard range-extending feature can provide an additional 15 miles of range in specific situations, although Mercedes-Benz advised using this feature sparingly to maintain long-term battery health. Charging times vary significantly depending on the power source. Using a standard 110-volt household outlet, a full recharge can take up to 30 hours. However, with a 240-volt charging station, charging time is dramatically reduced to approximately 3.5 hours, making home or public charging much more convenient. The EPA rates the B250e’s energy consumption at 40 kWh per 100 miles. While offering a premium driving experience and a wealth of features, it is worth noting that competitors like the BMW i3, rated at 27 kWh per 100 miles, demonstrate greater energy efficiency.
In performance testing conducted by Edmunds, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric impressively accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. This figure surpasses the average for electric vehicles at the time and is notably quicker than Mercedes-Benz’s official claim by 1.2 seconds. Among EVs tested, only the BMW i3 (6.6 seconds) and Tesla Model S (4.4 seconds) exhibited faster acceleration, placing the B-Class Electric in esteemed company in terms of performance. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz B Class Electric Drive offers a compelling blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, practical hatchback versatility, and capable electric performance, though potential buyers should consider its range and energy efficiency relative to newer and emerging EV models.
