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Full 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Review
What's New for 2014
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is an all-new model for the U.S. market.
Introduction
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is one way Mercedes will gradually acclimatize Americans to the idea of a compact -- and battery-powered -- Benz. Those last two elements probably sound jarring and mutually exclusive to anyone with even a passing knowledge of the brand. But make no mistake: Small Benzes are coming to the U.S, and they're starting with electricity.
Of course, compact Mercedes cars have been available in the rest of the world for years. You can even buy a current B-Class in Canada and Mexico. But the model that comes to the U.S. in early 2014 will be built on an entirely new platform, the same one that will underpin other Mercedes small cars like the CLA and A-Class. As such, it grows slightly compared to its predecessor, and will offer greater interior room and higher-quality fit and finish.
This gasoline version of this five-passenger compact hatchback features a low floor that eases entry and exit, and improves slightly on its already generous headroom. An optional panoramic glass roof should actually increase that further. But the real news is in back, where a sliding rear seat allows 38 inches of legroom, beating even the E-Class's accommodations. Luggage space is also a not-insignificant 23.5 cubic feet. How much cabin space gets consumed by a battery pack located under the floor remains to be seen, however.
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