Cars say a lot about you, and there are some who really like to make a statement. Others like to blend in. Undoubtedly, buying a Chevrolet Volt or Toyota Prius is significant. When you take an existing models and add a hybrid drivetrains, you blend in – such as with a Nissan Altima Hybrid.
Ford has competed using both strategies, offering the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and plug-in Energi models, as well as the hybrid-specific C-Max and C-Max Energi. To capture both types of buyers, being diverse is a wise decision. Data shows that the unique models sell better though – for instance the C-Max has already become Ford’s best-selling hybrid. Mercedes-Benz is about to join the pure electric fray with its line of Electric Drive vehicles.
The B-Class Electric Drive was one of the models recently showed off at the Paris Motor Show. There’s been speculation about which Mercedes Front Architecture vehicles would make their way to the United States. Mercedes is busy developing U.S-specific models such as the CLA small sedan and a new crossover.
The A-Class and B-Class are big sellers in Europe, but it isn’t clear how well they would be received in the U.S. We’ve always thought the A-Class would be a better fit for the U.S market, but Car & Driver says that it isn’t so.
The B-Class Electric Drive will be produced and sold here as an electric-only model. This decision has been made to give the company a green halo model, and it makes a lot of sense when you think about it. People give a lot more leeway to electric cars coming in different forms like MPV B-Class. The B-Class Electric Drive was developed with Tesla, and has a lithium ion battery pack giving it about 125 miles in driving range. No word yet on when it will land.
