Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus vs Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion

The challenge

Luxury automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are often blamed for contributing to the carbon footprint on the planet. By launching zero-emission electric vehicles, the carmakers are trying to appease environmentalists and common consumers bothered by the rising price of fuel.

Benz B-Class E-Cell vs VW Golf Blue eMotion

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell: Mercedes-Benz has forayed into the eco-friendly car segment with its first electric car, which was officially revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Dubbed E-Cell Plus, the B-Class luxury sedan is a plug-in hybrid equipped with the best technological features that help the vehicle to run on battery power and gasoline. The display located on the dashboard would exhibit key vehicle statistics such as the gasoline level in the fuel tank and the battery charge level. Moreover, the electric sedan could be connected to the smartphone. Another interesting attribute of the vehicle is the radar-based collision prevention system that minimizes the risk of collision while running at more than 30km/h (19mph) speed. The car could house five passengers. Draped in black nappa leather, the interior of the hybrid vehicle boasts of advanced electromechanical steering and premium infotainment features.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: Volkswagen is not a new entrant in the electric vehicle sector. More than three decades ago, the first plug-in hybrid vehicle appeared in the Volkswagen stable. Since then, the German luxury vehicle manufacturer has produced more than 20 hybrid vehicles. Golf Blue e-Motion will be the first car to be propelled exclusively by electricity. The battery-powered vehicle is expected to hit the roads in 2014. From the outside, one could hardly differentiate a battery-powered car form a standard fossil-fuelled vehicle.

Comparison Attribute: Engine

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus: The first electric vehicle of Mercedes-Benz is propelled by a 1-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor. The vehicle could run on either gasoline or battery power. A fully charges battery could exclusively power the motor for up to 100 miles. When the car is running at low speeds, less than 60km/h, the battery is automatically charged by the gasoline engine. While traveling at faster speeds the gasoline engine functions as a driving engine along with the electric motor. The extra power generated by the gasoline engine is instantly used for charging the battery. The combustion engine is activated and deactivated automatically. When the battery charge is depleted, the integrated Range Extender mode instantly activates the combustion engine, enabling the vehicle to reach its destination. The built-in intelligent drive unit automatically activates the most fuel-efficient driving mode.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: The Volkswagen electric car will be available with three electric motor options. The pure electric car will offer at least four regenerative braking modes, which would help to pilot the vehicle on different road conditions.

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Power

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus: The electric motor of the vehicle generates 94hp of peak output, whereas the gasoline motor is capable of developing 67hp of power. Both the motors working together could produce 161hp of total power.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: The electric motors are configured to produce 67hp, 86hp or 113hp of peak output.

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Torque

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell: Not available

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: The Golf Blue E Motion motor could achieve a peak torque of 270Nm.

Winner: Could not be declared in the absence of the Mercedes-Benz specification.

Comparison Attribute: Performance 0-62mph

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus: It could accelerate from nil to 62mph (100km/h) in 11 seconds.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: It could sprint at 62mph from zero in about 11.8 seconds.

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Top Speed

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell: In either mode, the eco-friendly vehicle could attain a top speed of 93miles per hour (150km/hr).

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: The pure electric Volkswagen is capable of running at a maximum speed of 84 miles per hour (135km/h).

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Range

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus: The electric version of Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers 600km (373miles) range. In an all-electric mode, the car could cover 100km, which would meet nearly 80 percent of the regular normal driving needs.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: Volkswagen claims that in the electric mode, the car offers between 60 and 90 miles range.

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Batteries

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell: The electric motor will be powered by a powerful state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack, located at the “energy space” at the rear of the vehicle, beneath a false floor.

Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion: A lithium-ion battery pack will be included in the powertrain.

Winner: There is no difference in the battery feature

Comparison Attribute: Battery charge time & life

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell: The battery could be recharged via a 3.3Kw charger connected to a standard power outlet. It could be rapidly recharged in an hour.

Volkswagen Golf Blue Emotion: The battery could be revived by recharging it with a plug connector connected to a power outlet. It would take approximately seven hours to recharge the battery from a domestic power source.

Winner: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Comparison Attribute: Price

The prices of both the vehicles are not available

Verdict:

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus is a plug-in hybrid. In contrast, Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion is a pure electric car. The presence of a gasoline or petrol engine enhances the performance of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle. However, if you are looking for a zero-emission vehicle, Volkswagen Golf Blue eMotion could be a better option.