DailyTech - Quick Note: Mercedes-Benz to Sell Electric B-class in U.S. Come 2014

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Auto Quick Note: Mercedes-Benz to Sell Electric B-class in U.S. Come 2014
Tiffany Kaiser - July 6, 2012 3:07 AM

6 comment(s) - last by kwrzesien.. on Jul 9 at 5:01 PM

Mercedes-Benz B-class (Source: Auto Week)

The B-class EV will offer a new front-wheel-drive platform

Mercedes-Benz is planning to release an electric version of the B-class compact in the United States in 2014.

The B-class EV will offer a new front-wheel-drive platform, which was originally featured on the five-door B-class model that went on sale last year in Europe. The new EV will also use an electric motor, battery packs and other vehicle components from Tesla Motors.

"We want to bring another battery-powered vehicle to the market," said an anonymous source from Daimler AG, Mercedes' parent company.

In addition to the B-class EV, the U.S. will also receive three other models that offer the new platform starting next year. The three models are the A-class, a crossover, and CLA four-door with coupe styling.

The Daimler AG source added that the B-class hybrid that was due in 2014 has been postponed because zero-emission vehicles receive more incentives than those with a small internal combustion engine for range extending.

Source: Auto Week

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Wrong A-Class

By OSV on 7/6/2012 4:25:07 AM , Rating: 3

The A-Class you linked is the old W169. The one based on the new MFA (Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture) platform (shared with the new B-Class) is the W176 though and is quite different: http://www.smalllinks.com/11NS

RE: Wrong A-Class

By Samus on 7/6/2012 2:57:36 PM , Rating: 1

Hmm...the A-class I drive about a decade ago was a joke. BMW pulled it off with the Mini Cooper, but why am I so doubtful Mercedes can make a fun, reliable FWD vehicle?

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a tad skimpy on details..

By drewsup on 7/7/2012 6:40:25 AM , Rating: 2

Range?? Which battery pack?? I would try to best guess the specs as they are using Tesla innards, but with a different frame, aerodynamics, what not, I would be way off.
Why oh why doesn't a manufacturer other than Citroen make a diesel hybrid?? I would love to own one, but French build quality is pretty suspect.

RE: a tad skimpy on details..

By OSV on 7/8/2012 5:52:28 AM , Rating: 2

Mercedes does offer the E300 BlueTec Hybrid in Europe starting next year or so. The US gets the E400 Hybrid based on the 3ltr gasoline engine though...

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