2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review
2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review





+24
Used B-Class Electric Drive for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Swift and smooth acceleration
- whisper-quiet interior
- easy-to-use regenerative braking
- attentiveness monitoring system that warns drivers when they exhibit signs of drowsiness behind the wheel
- a nice palette of options.
Cons
- Range isn't any better than other less expensive EVs offer
- less efficient than other EVs
- stiff ride quality
- pricey options list
- less interior space than you'd expect.
What’s new
For the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class, the formerly optional navigation system, keyless entry and ignition and range-extending mode are now standard equipment. Mercedes has also expanded availability of the B-Class to all 50 states.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive beats most other EVs in luxury and refinement, and has even more standard equipment than before, but it doesn't match up well in real-world performance.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive EV Insights
Trim:
B-Class Electric Drive Base
Estimated Range Based on Age
Not available
Round-tripOne-way
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging at Home
No charging time information available
Hybrid Parts Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.
Exceeded original 8 year warranty.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,125
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
- Restrictions:
Beginning January 1, 2023 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit
- Restrictions: Dominion Energy offers EV owners a rebate of up to $125 towards the cost of a Level 2 charging station.
To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements:
- Receive electricity from Dominion Energy.
- Have an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
- Networked/Smart charging capabilities to program the station to off-peak periods and respond to managed charging events
- You also earn a $40 e-gift card on the anniversary of your enrollment every year you remain enrolled.
Additional Information:
Cost to Drive
$70/mo
B-Class Electric Drive
vs
$168/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,000 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Vehicle overview
It took a while, but Mercedes-Benz has jumped into the world of electric drive with its upscale, five-seat B-Class battery-electric model. And after a limited launch of the inaugural 2014 model it is making the 2015 B-Class Electric Drive available all across the U.S. The front-wheel-drive hatchback couples a powertrain built by Tesla Motors with Mercedes' usual array of high-tech standard features and options.
The B-Class Electric is powered by a 132-kilowatt (177-horsepower) electric motor connected to a 28-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, both of which are supplied by electric car pioneer Tesla Motors. According to the EPA, that combo is good for up to 87 miles of range. Recharging with a 240-volt power source takes fewer than 3.5 hours, Mercedes says, but that requires a dedicated 40-amp, 240-volt service. Lower amperage home charging systems will increase the recharging time. There is no quick-charging option for the 2015 B-Class E-Drive.
Inside, the 2015 B-Class Electric looks like a real Mercedes for the most part, with some premium materials and a suite of safety and multimedia features and interior and infotainment upgrades available on the options list. Unlike the cramped rear seating of the CLA sedan, which shares the same platform, the B-Class provides more headroom and legroom for four adults. It has seating for five, but the fifth passenger had best be on the small side if the rear-seat riders hope for a comfortable trip. There is a lot of luggage and cargo space for an EV, as the battery pack is underneath the floor instead of taking up space inside the vehicle.
Despite its unique nature, the B-Class Electric has some clear shortcomings that should be taken into account by shoppers. The EPA-rated range of 87 miles is just midpack for modern EVs. Most of the extra power the B-Class Electric stores in its hefty 28-kWh battery pack is used to give the nearly two-ton hatchback its impressive acceleration. There is a standard range-extending charging option that adds up to 15 miles of travel, but Mercedes warns owners not to use it very often because it shortens battery life.
The B-Class also lacks the efficiency found in some other EVs. On our Edmunds EV testing loop, a 2014 B-Class with the optional range-extension package, the same powerplant and range-extending feature now standard with the 2015 model, traveled 105 miles before it ran out of power, but it used nearly 50 percent more power than a Volkswagen e-Golf along the same roads. The EPA says the 2015 B-Class Electric will gobble 40 kWh of electricity every 100 miles, versus just 29 kWh for the 2015 eGolf. BMW's i3 electric car does even better, using just 27 kWh per 100 miles.
Interior surfaces are an issue, too. They appear high-quality but the seats are stiff and many dashboard pieces are made from hard plastic. It takes the expensive optional Premium Package to get some soft-touch material on the upper dashboard and door panels. It's also worth noting that the B-Class is missing some features — such as heated seats, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and even an integrated garage-door opener — that are standard on many luxury cars.
Given the growing number of all-electric car models on the market these days, we think potential buyers would do well to check out some of the B-Class Electric's competitors. Its closest rival, the 2015 BMW i3, surprisingly roomy for a small car, earns our recommendation for its superior performance and efficiency, cutting-edge carbon-fiber construction and futuristic interior. We also recommend the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf for its premium and roomy interior and pleasing driving characteristics.
There are a few solid choices from more mainstream brands, too. The 2015 Nissan Leaf and the 2015 Ford Focus Electric lack the B-Class' upscale vibe but perform similarly in most other respects. And if a little bit of all-electric drive with a lot of gas-electric hybrid range and Mercedes quality would suit you just fine, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid could be worth checking out. It will offer almost 19 miles of all-electric range per charge, plus several hundred miles of conventional hybrid operation before it needs its gas tank refilled.
We like the concept of an affordable luxury EV, but the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric still has too many drawbacks for our wholehearted recommendation.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric is powered by a front-mounted 132-kilowatt electric motor connected to an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Both are supplied by Tesla Motors. The motor's output, which translates to 177 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, is delivered to the front wheels.
The EPA estimates the B-Class Electric can travel 87 miles on average before running out of juice. The standard Range package gives the B-Class EV an additional 15 miles, but Mercedes recommends that you use this feature only occasionally.
Recharging can take anywhere from 30 hours on standard 110-volt household current to 3.5 hours with the proper 240-volt charging station. The EPA rates the B-Class Electric's efficiency at 40 kWh of electric power used for 100 miles of driving (remember: the lower the number here, the better). For comparison, the BMW i3 has a rating of 27 kWh/100 miles and the e-Golf checks in with 29 kWh/100 miles.
During Edmunds testing, a 2014 B-Class sprinted from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 6.7 seconds. That's about 2 seconds quicker than the average electric vehicle. The only two electric vehicles we've tested that are quicker are the BMW i3 (6.6 seconds) and the Tesla Model S (4.4 seconds).
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, active front head restraints, frontal collision warning and mitigation, including automated braking, and a driver attention monitor. The mbrace system includes automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, remote lock control and stolen vehicle location.
Front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system are all available as options.
During Edmunds testing, a B-Class came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, a few feet longer than average for an EV.
Driving
The 2015 B-Class Electric delivers sprightly acceleration around town, and while head-snapping 0-30 times are one of the things EVs are noted for, the B-Class does it with more snap than most. This is no small feat considering the fact that its powertrain is tasked with moving a vehicle that weighs in at over 3,900 pounds. Different driving modes and adjustable levels of natural-feeling brake regeneration give the driver a choice of more energy-efficient or sportier performance.
That regeneration can be dialed-in by the driver using the three-position steering wheel-mounted paddle "shifters." It also can be left to the radar-based automated mode to decide for you what levels of regeneration will make the car work best and store the greatest amount of juice without running into the cars in front of it. The automated mode can let you navigate heavy traffic with only the rare touch of foot to brake pedal.
Once you get past the snappy acceleration, the driving experience in the B-Class Electric is pretty unremarkable. It's as quiet as you'd expect it to be, with no engine to generate noise and plenty of insulation, but seating comfort and ride quality aren't as good as we'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz in this price range. The seats are a bit firm and so is the ride, which largely interferes with an otherwise serene and quiet driving experience.
Interior
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric has the aesthetically pleasing interior you'd expect, especially when done up in two-tone color schemes and optional real wood trim. Design cues are typical Mercedes, from the circular air vents to the COMAND display screen perched atop the dash. That free-floating screen looks a lot like an afterthought, though, and some of the interior plastic is disappointing, too.
Front- and rear-seat headroom is acceptable, but taller occupants will have to slouch a bit. Rear-seat legroom is adequate for adults. There is plenty of cargo space, though, with a healthy 21.6 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split rear seats; fold down those seatbacks and, though they don't fold completely flat, you still have a generous 51.4 cubic feet of space to hold stuff.
2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive models
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric is a four-door hatchback with seating for five passengers. It is offered in a single trim level.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers, air-conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, MB-Tex (premium vinyl) upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support, seat memory settings for up to three drivers, 60/40-split folding rear seats, cruise control, front collision mitigation, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch display screen, Mercedes' COMAND interface and mbrace emergency communications, a navigation system with voice controls, and an audio system with in-dash CD and DVD player, a USB port and HD radio. The now-standard Range package includes a heated windshield, additional insulation in the roof and doors and deep-charging mode that makes it possible to eke out a few extra miles between recharges.
Most options are grouped into packages. The Premium package gets you radar-based self-adjusting regenerative braking, bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors, a premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration, an 8-inch color display screen and a Homelink garage door opener. The Interior package includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and upgraded interior materials. The Multimedia package includes a rearview camera and an SD card reader.
Stand-alone options include blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a radar-based system that can adjust the B-Class' regenerative braking amount based on traffic conditions. Heated front seats, wood interior trim, the premium audio system and satellite radio also come as stand-alone options for 2015.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.
5 star(54%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(14%)
22 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Very nice Car. Fantastic deal.
harleymyk, 02/10/2015
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
Good amount of power, which is especially impressive at lower speeds. Very quiet, velvet smooth, and handles just fine on winding canyon roads. Small on the outside and a breeze to park. Love the luxury appointments and standard technology: rain sensing windshield wiper controls, power memory seats, and even a buzzer that goes off if it thinks you are getting drowsy. Plenty of room in … the back seat for at least two adults. With the back seats folded down I can toss my bike in without taking off the front tire. The car is a little bit rough going over bumps, especially in the back seat. This may be partially due to the stiffness of the run flat tires. Wind noise is average.
You probably should not buy this car as your only vehicle. The 70-110 mile range works for me because I rarely drive more than 60 miles in a day and we have 2 other cars.
Update 2018: We traded in our leased 2014 for a new 2016 B250e to lease. It is just the same except for minor features and technology. My only problem is that the implementation of Android Auto is very flakey (Apple Carplay seems to work okay so far).
Update 2019: Software update of Android Auto Apple CarPlay eliminated the problems. Now it is just slow to start and sometimes requires being plugged in a second time, just at the start.
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent Quality Small SUV
William Rogers, 02/12/2016
2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I bought my 2015 Electric Drive in November, 2015. Delivery was delayed due to a recall concerning drive system software. This was updated, and I have had no problems with the drive train. I currently own two BMWs, and I am impressed with the quality of the Mercedes. I bought the 250 Electric Drive for commuting and local trips around the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. After … 2500 miles, it has fully met my expectations, and it has been very enjoyable to drive in day to day traffic. It has a Tesla supplied drive system, which gives excellent acceleration driving around town, especially from stoplights. I wanted a high quality, utilitarian small SUV electric car for driving locally, and this car has been perfect. I did not want: An ugly car (Leaf), a weird, futuristic car (BMW), a medium sized hatchback (VW), (Kia Soul) or a very expensive car (Tesla). It is nice to have several choices, and I made mine. Compared to a Tesla Model S, the battery is smaller, and the range is less; I feel that I got half of a Tesla for half the price of a Tesla. The Mercedes does have a stiff ride. I did not buy it as a luxury car, so I don't care. The Mercedes is heavier than the other electric cars that it is compared to, but it also has much more utility and is better quality. My only complaint is that the car did not come with a DC quick charge port. This is not an issue in driving around town, but it would be very useful for road trips. If you want an electric car that can do it all, buy a Tesla Model S or Model X. If you can't afford one of these, you must decide how you want to use the car and set your priorities, then purchase the car that best fits your needs.
5 out of 5 stars
Addicting acceleration, nice Mercedes trim
Robby, 06/30/2016
2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I was looking for an affordable electric car but wanted something family-friendly as I have 2 small children. I comparison shopped versus both the Nissan LEAF and the BMW i3, but the Mercedes won out because it has by far the best rear seat access and room (especially versus the ridiculously small i3). I wound up getting a 2014 model for a steep discount (purchased in January 2015). The … car has been a pleasure to drive with instantly responsive acceleration that is utterly addicting and belies its Tesla drivetrain. Ride quality is a little stiff for what should be an entry-level luxury car. Interior fit and finish is comparable to other Mercedes; i.e., solid and rich-feeling. I did not opt for the premium navigation package, and the basic one is a little disappointing. Reliability hasn't been an issue - an earlier software glitch caused some cars (not mine) to suddenly shift into neutral at highway speeds; this has since been patched. Most importantly, it handles car seats and family cargo better than any other pure electric car that isn't a Tesla (if I could have afforded one of those, I'd be driving that instead).
Update 2017: No problems so far! The car still drives well and the electric battery hasn't degraded appreciably - my range is still about the same. I have noticed that (like other electric vehicles) the range drops precipitously in freezing weather, especially if I use the heater (it has to burn electricity to generate heat, unlike an internal combustion engine car which uses waste heat to warm the cabin). I will say that the range indicator or "guess-o-meter" is extremely pessimistic, which can be a little scary sometimes. I've driven about 25 additional miles when it has said I was down to single-digit range. I guess it's better for it to be conservatively pessimistic than the other way around. I will point out though, that unlike my friends who drive Nissan LEAFs or Teslas, I have no high-voltage DC current quick-charge on the B-class. It's not even an available option. This means that it takes a full 4 hours to charge from completely empty (on a level 2 public charger or a dryer outlet at home), which makes the car utterly unable to do any kind of road trip. This car really is for local commuting only.
4.63 out of 5 stars
No more gas!!
mrsr0binson, 07/31/2014
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
Got the B class when my GLK lease ended.
I have loved the GLK but hated paying for gas.
I was spending over $200 on gas each month (I used the "good stuff" 91).
So far tooling around for "free" (free charging station at work) has been awesome!
Back to the B Class.
What a treat! I like cooling/heating the car before I get in (up to 15min) and silently getting on the road.
I had a prius … before the GLK and hated when the engine would kick in at stop lights or when you went above 15mph (or so, I don't remember).
Awesome sound system (I have the multi-media package).
Voice command is greatly improved.
Plus it is a Mercedes what else needs to be said about the quality of the car?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive, so we've included reviews for other years of the B-Class Electric Drive since its last redesign.
2015 B-Class Electric Drive Highlights
Base MSRP | $41,450 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $4,125 |
Engine Type | Electric |
Cost to Drive | $70/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Related Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Ram Promaster Cargo Van 2021 Review
- Ram Promaster Cargo Van 2020 Review
- Ram Promaster City 2020 Review
- Ram Promaster City 2021 Review
- Ram Promaster Window Van 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 2017 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 2016
- Used Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 2014
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 09 Sonata
- 2023 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2022 G-Class
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata News
- Mazda CX 9
- Toyota Tundra 2022
- GMC Canyon Pickup Truck
- 2022 Pilot
- Hummer Ev
- Q3 Audi Car
Research recent models from same make
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2022
- Mercedes-Benz Metris 2022
- 2022 GLB-Class
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- Mercedes-Benz EQS 2024
- Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 2023
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS
- Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class 2022
- Mercedes-Benz EQS 2023
- 2024 GLB-Class
Research similar vehicles
- Kona Ev
- Hyundai Kona Electric 2022
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2022
- 2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
Other models
- Used Chevrolet Impala in Scarborough, ME
- New Subaru Forester for Sale in Humble, TX
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Palm Harbor, FL
- Used Toyota Camry-Solara in Norcross, GA
- Used Hyundai Palisade in Fair Oaks, CA
- New Lexus Es-250 for Sale in Nash, TX
- Used BMW Alpina-B8-Gran-Coupe in Deerfield, IL
- Used Jaguar X-Type in Columbus, IN
- Used Kia Optima in Elizabethtown, KY
- Used Ford E-Transit-Cargo-Van in Spanaway, WA