Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive: The Family-Friendly EV
Best for: families (who don’t need to go too far)
Price: from £8000
This car incorporates two concepts we don’t see much of in current car designs: the MPV and the sandwich floor, as pioneered by Mercedes’ original A-Class.
That forward-looking design was aimed at packaging alternative fuels and energy stores without altering the passenger or luggage space, and when the larger Mercedes-Benz B-Class became electrified, we finally saw the potential utilised.
As such, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, or B250e, depending on the model year, offers all the benefits of an EV, with some reassuringly old-school family-car practicality. A 500-litre boot, spacious rear seats and a high driving position with good visibility are complemented by impressive refinement and ride quality.
Range is variable, since you have the option of limiting the 178bhp Tesla-sourced motor to roughly half that output, while some models will allow you to access more of the 31kWh battery for extra range in an emergency. Despite the modest battery capacity and relatively large body, as well as the sub-8.0sec 0-62mph potential, this B-Class can typically manage over 100 miles between charges.
These cars are relatively rare but worth seeking out if you need to carry a lot of stuff over short distances regularly.
