July 3, 201213 yr 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. View full article
July 3, 201213 yr 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.
July 4, 201213 yr 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
July 4, 201213 yr 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.
July 4, 201213 yr 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.
July 4, 201213 yr I like the A-class. I can see people buying it. Personally I'd still want a rear drive Benz though.
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