Review: Benz B-Class E-Cell

Fitted with a Range Extender, the all-purpose battery-run B-Class E-Cell vehicle was debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show earlier this year. The model that showcases the brand's new addition to Mercedes-Benz's range of electric vehicles as well as their first ever range-extending hybrid powertrain, the concept vehicle preview the company’s upcoming eco-friendly series. Perfect for long journeys as well as shorter everyday jaunts, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus ensures excellent suitability thanks to its combination of a three-cylinder petrol engine and a electric drive running on a Deutsche Accumotive lithium-ion battery pack which comes with an energy accumulator and allows emission-free driving for a range of 100 kms.

Benz B-Class E-Cell

What does it offer?

The B-Class E-Cell Plus will come fitted with interesting features that provide unrestricted mobility to the driver as well as more functional applications like a range-estimator that can analyze the E-Cell’s battery level to provide an approximate range for the vehicle. The B-Class E-Cell can also communicate with the user’s smart phone and deliver loads of information and driver-specific solutions.

The Beauty:

Features like a Vehicle Homepage will allow users of the Benz B-Class E-Cell to configure and check their vehicle’s battery status and its current corresponding range on a map etc via smartphone apps. Other options like route planner and smart charging will allow users to predefine the time of the their journey and the vehicle can then ensure optimum battery charge and pre-air condition the vehicle to save up on energy consumption when the vehicle hits the road.

The Beast:

The Benz B-Class E-Cell runs on a 67-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine that outputs 50kW energy and has a range-extending capacity that lasts for up to 373 miles. The 70kW electric motor outputs 136-horsepower and allows the vehicle to be driven on electric power alone and offer the vehicle a 62-mile range. When the driver requires full power or if current starts to drop off, the Benz B-Class E-Cell can be used in combined mode and motors can be used together to produce 120kW. The petrol engine can also be used to charge the lithium-ion batteries at low speeds. The Benz B-Class E-Cell offers a total range of up to 600 km

The Thrill:

The B-Class E-Cell Plus, according to Mercedes-Benz, has an electric-only range of around 100km and a combined range of 600km overall. Both range-extending as well as battery-only models will have a top speed of around 150km/h and the B-Class E-Cell Plus will go from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds.

Interiors:

Created to meets Mercedes-Benz's exacting standards in terms of comfort and safety, the compact exterior silhouettes of the Benz B-Class E-Cell combine with a spacious interior and variable cargo compartment to provide users with a family-friendly, leisure-inspiring motoring experience. The all-round electric car comes with five full-size seats and a cabin designed to radiate refined sportiness with family-sized comfort. High-quality black Nappa leather combines with a copper-hued linear graphic design to give the interior scheme of the Benz B-Class E-Cell a distinct luxuriant dynamic.

Exteriors:

The dynamic appearance of the Benz B-Class E-Cell is accentuated by the distinctly sporty lines that makes the exterior of the Benz B-Class E-Cell perfectly suited to both daily motoring as well as long journeys.

Should I buy one?

Combining the best of both worlds, the Benz B-Class E-Cell comes with all the modern comforts that one expects in a Merc though advanced features like enhanced driving dynamics and an electromechanical steering allow the vehicle to offer an unprecedented amount of comfort to drivers and passengers in both their daily commute as well as long, family journeys.

Price and availability:

Though the specifications that will be offered in the production version of the B-Class E-Cell Plus are yet to be finalized, the company has confirmed that the model should be available in market sometime in the year 2014.

Industry buzz:

Mercedes-Benz says:

The B-Class E-Cell Plus has a combined range of 600km and an electric-only range of around 100km. As for its on-road performance, the B-Class E-Cell Plus is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds while top speed is rated at 150km/h.

The Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS shows that our new range of compact cars is all set for the future. The variant involving a battery-electric vehicle with Range Extender further broadens the range of alternative drive concepts from Mercedes-Benz.

Picture Gallery

Benz B-Class E-Cell

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-CELL Plus Concept is the first electric vehicle with Range Extender