Mercedes Benz B-Class Electric Drive revealed ahead of Paris debut

As India gears up to welcome the all-new 2012 Mercedes Benz B-Class in the market today, the first images of the Electric Drive version of the compact sports tourer has been revealed ahead of its official unveiling at the soon approaching 2012 Paris Motor Show. The B-Class is the first model to receive the 'Electric Drive' designation that will be used on all-electric Mercedes Benz vehicles hence forth. 

The B-Class Electric Drive that will be showcased in concept form in Paris will spawn a production version that is said to be ready by 2014 and will be joined by the SLS AMG E-Cell and the Smart Brabus Electric Drive models - the production versions of which will also be presented in Paris. 

Developed in partnership with Tesla, the near-to-production ready MPV is being powered by an electric motor that develops 136 PS of power and 310Nm of torque, which enables the electric sports tourer to travel over 200Km on a single charge. When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged by a 230V outlet or a 400V rapid charger.

The battery is placed in the so-called “Energy Space” at the floor ahead of the rear axle, ensuring that the all-electric B-Class offers the same interior space as the conventionally-powered versions.

The B-Class Electric Drive will be sold in selected markets from early 2014 as part of broader zero emission model offensive that will be launched by Mercedes-Benz in Paris.