Mercedez Benz News Rumorpile: Mercedes-Benz To Send B-Class As EV To U.S.

[William Maley]

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 2, 2012

Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz is shelving a B-Class hybrid for the U.S., and is planning an electric version of it.

"We want to bring another battery-powered vehicle to the market," a source at Daimler AG said.

The electric B-Class will use the same platform as the new B-Class and have its electric powertrain provided by by Tesla Motors. Daimler AG currently owns owns a 4.7 percent stake in Tesla.

As for the hybrid being shelved, the source said; "Zero-emission vehicles receive more favorable classifications and higher incentives than vehicles with a range extender. This is especially an issue in the U.S."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[balthazar]

what a bland, boring, image-melting little econobox that is.

[Camino LS6]

Brought to you by CAFE

[smk4565]

Yes, CAFE sucks. Hopefully this thing isn't painfully slow and runs out of range in 50 miles. But if it performs okay, they'll fool some wealthy environmentalists into buying one. If it means we get to keep the V12 S-class, then I'm okay with it. So few B-classes will be on the road, most people won't notice it.

[pow]

I'd much rather have the awesome new A-class.

Pardon the cheese, but a nice video showcasing the car (and LA):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nRRb7wPnzm8

[ocnblu]

Holy crap Empowah, that was really cool! Yes, the A-Class manages to transcend its size and 5-door hatchback body to become a real Benz.

[ZL-1]

The new A-Class is very cool (hope a 3-door is shown soon)! The B-Class, while being a total snooze-fest, is different enough from the rest of the US Mercedes lineup as to be able to spike some interest in buying an electric version of it (a city-only car, basically). I personally wouldn't like to see a slow electric C-Class (for example - it works for any other RWD/AWD Mercedes model) offered.

[smk4565]

I like the A-class. I can see people buying it. Personally I'd still want a rear drive Benz though.

[balthazar]

The c230 was a disaster, I wonder if this will do any better.