Mercedes-Benz B-class Electric Drive starts at $42,375

Even though the gas-powered Mercedes-Benz B-class has been out in Canada for a few years now, long enough to receive a facelift, we Americans will be getting the compact MPV in electric form only. Sales of the B-class Electric Drive will start this summer with the BMW i3 in its sights. Here's what buyers can expect when this tall four-door electric hatch silently rolls into dealership showrooms.

The B-class Electric Drive will start at $42,375. Sales will begin this July, being offered for now just in the following 10 states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Mercedes-Benz is expected to announce expanded availability sometime in 2015.

The front-wheel drive B-class Electric Drive will be powered by a 177-hp, 251 lb-ft of torque motor developed by Tesla. That will be enough to propel the Mercedes from 0-60 in just 7.9 seconds, which is pretty good for something that's a bit larger than your regular hatch, and heavier. The 28-kWh lithium-ion battery has a two-hour charge time using a 240v charger, giving this B-class a range of 85 miles.

Mercedes-Benz says that the torque produced by the B-class Electric Drive is approximately equivalent to the torque from a 3-liter gasoline engine, whether its set in "E" efficiency or "S" sport mode. The B-class Electric Drive also packs some tech to squeeze a bit more range out of the battery, including a full regenerative mode (D-) normal drive (D), and a coasting (D+) feature. The D auto mode includes a radar-based recuperation system, which can adjust speed depending on traffic in front of the vehicle.

The B-class will also offer a few convenient features outside the vehicle. Owners will be able to check the status of the battery on their phone or PC, and check its current range based on the map. That should alleviate range anxiety, though the two-hour charging time should render that largely moot, especially since the map can show locations where the B-class can be recharged along the way. The remote access features also include some basic things (for this decade anyway) like timed preheating or cooling of the vehicle.

Standard equipment will include a Becker Map Pilot navigation system, collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist; three years of mbrace2; attention assist; and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Mercedes-Benz is keen to point out that the battery in the B-class will be covered by Battery Coverage Plus, which includes eight-year, 100,000-mile worry-free coverage, which will cover defects, battery capacity, maintenance, and roadside assistance.

By Jay Ramey