2017 Mercedes-Benz B250e
The Mercedes-Benz B250e was launched in 2014 and has become a popular choice for drivers looking to embrace the all-electric car lifestyle while still being surrounded by the luxury that comes standards with the Mercedes brand. It comes with an impressive array of standard features, proving that you don’t have to give up luxury and convenience while driving an all-electric vehicle.
What's New for 2017
The B250e is basically unchanged for the 2017 model year. Pricing starts at $39,900, and while only one model is available there are a variety of optional packages that add convenience features such as auto-dimming mirrors, Homelink garage door openers, Xenon headlights and a leather interior.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz B250e
The B250E maintains its 132-kilowatt electric front wheel drive engine that produces 177 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. It will go from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, which is hardly impressive in the sports car world but is not too shabby for an all-electric vehicle. It has a range of up to 87 miles.
The vehicles lithium-ion battery pack is housed under the cabin floor, which gives the car a low center of gravity and improved handling. It comes with a four-wheel independent suspension, electromechanical power steering, and electronic stability control as well as 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels to give it that sporty look.
The battery can be charged using a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging system that is available from Mercedes. The 240-volt system will charge the vehicle in about 3.5 hours. Safety features such as Attention Assist come standard and monitors the driver for signs of fatigue.
The B250e is only available in one trim level but a number of optional packages let you customize the vehicle to your specifications.
Dual zone automatic climate control comes standard as do power front seats with memory. The interior is leather-like MB-Tex upholstery with actual leather seats available as an option.
A large, 7-inch freestanding color display lets you control your audio, hands-free calling and navigation quickly and easily. The standard stereo offers Bluetooth streaming and an in-dash CD player with audio controls on the steering wheel.
A five-year complimentary period of Mercedes mbrace connect comes standard on the B250e. This allows you to control a variety of functions via your cell phone. Just a few of these functions are remote start, remote door lock/unlock, remote horn and light operation, and remote diagnostics.
A number of option packages are available for the B250e:
- Premium 1: The package costs $1,100 and adds a radar-based system to monitor the speed of the vehicle in front of you and adjust the car's regenerative braking so it recuperates as much energy as possible in order to extend the driving range of the battery. SiriusXM Radio with 6-month All Access trial, and keyless entry/start are also included.
- Premium 2: This package adds $3,000 to the price and gives you everything included with Premium 1 Package plus auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors, 8-inch color freestanding display, HomeLink garage door opener, Bi-Xenon headlamps, and an upgraded Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system.
- Premium 3: This one comes with a hefty price tag—$5,500—but it includes all of this: In-dash DVD/CD player, Rearview camera, COMAND hard-drive navigation, advanced voice control, 5 years of SiriusXM Traffic and Weather services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Harman Kardon LOGIC7sound system, auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors, 8-inch color freestanding display and the HomeLink garage door opener.
- Interior: If you are looking only for an upgraded interior, this is the package for you. It runs $2,250 and upgrades the interior to heated leather seats and also adds Multicolor ambient cabin lighting and top-stitched MB-Tex to the upper dash and door trim.
CarsDirect Tip
The B250e is a great option for an all-electric car if you are looking for something more luxurious than the Nissan Leaf. While the base model is a great start, to make it feel like a true Mercedes, the interior package should be added. If you can afford it, the Premium Package 3 will take your B250e to the next level but at a minimum, consider adding Premium Package 2 to upgrade the stereo system.
http://www.carsdirect.com/2017/mercedes-benz/b250e