Mercedes B-Class 250e

Overview

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 250e, or B-Class Electric Drive as it was known Stateside, was Merc's quirky-yet-premium dip into the compact EV pool. Essentially a high-riding hatchback, it offered a surprising amount of posh for its size and an early taste of electric Merc magic, thanks partly to a Tesla-sourced powertrain. It was a bit of an oddball, but with that three-pointed star, it aimed to woo buyers wanting an upmarket, city-slicking EV. You might snag one pre-owned now for around $9,496, making it an intriguing used electric proposition for badge-conscious urbanites.

What's New for 2017?

For its final curtain call in 2017, the B-Class 250e didn't exactly get a massive makeover; it was pretty much business as usual. Mercedes kept the package consistent with the previous year, meaning no significant new features or powertrain tweaks rolled out for this model year. So, if you're eyeing a 2017 model, you're essentially getting the same well-equipped, slightly unconventional electric hatch that debuted a few years prior. It was more of a gentle cruise into the sunset than a revolutionary update, still packing its unique blend of practicality and early electric Merc charm.

Design & Exterior

The B250e sports a rather upright, tall-boy hatchback design, giving it a mini-MPV flair that's practical if not conventionally sporty. It's got that unmistakable Mercedes grille and front-end treatment, ensuring it looks the premium part. Unique blue accents on some exterior elements often hinted at its electric heart. Standard alloy wheels and distinctive lighting elements rounded out its somewhat conservative but classy look. Dimensions wise, it stretches 171.6 inches long, stands 70.3 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and reaches 61.3 inches tall, making it a tidy package for navigating city streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the B250e feels like a proper Merc, with quality materials and a solid, well-put-together cabin that oozes a bit of old-school luxury. Passenger space is pretty decent for its 5 seats, especially headroom, thanks to its tallish design. Pop the hatch, and you've got 17.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to a handy 51.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – no frunk though! Tech-wise, it featured Mercedes' COMAND infotainment on a tablet-style screen; smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wasn't always standard, often an optional extra.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the floor, the B250e packs a punchy Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), serving up 132 kW (that's about 177 horsepower) and a healthy 251 lb-ft of instant torque to the front wheels. This translates to a respectable 0-60 mph dash in just 7.5 seconds – pretty nippy for an early EV! The driving experience is smooth, serene, and surprisingly brisk off the line. Ride comfort is typically Mercedes-plush, and it offers selectable regenerative braking modes. Top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph, more than enough for daily duties.

Range, Battery & Charging

The B250e is powered by a 28 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 88 miles – best suited for city commuting. Energy efficiency is rated at a decent 3.14 mi/kWh. For topping up, it features a Type 1 (J1772) port for AC charging and boasts a surprisingly quick 10 kW on-board charger, meaning a full charge from empty can take as little as 3 hours on a 240V Level 2 station. DC fast charging, however, was not a standard feature and very uncommon on US models.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, the IIHS gave the 2017 B-Class Electric Drive 'Good' ratings in most major crash tests. While it predates today's more comprehensive ADAS suites, it came standard with Mercedes' Collision Prevention Assist (radar-based forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking). Buyers could often option up with features like Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control to bolster its protective bubble. It provided a solid, safe feeling characteristic of the Mercedes brand, though specific NHTSA ratings for the EV version are not listed.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Mercedes typically backed the B250e with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. The crucial high-voltage battery and electric drive components were usually covered for a more reassuring 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects. Specific battery degradation guarantees were less common in this era. Maintenance is generally lower than internal combustion counterparts, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters. No widespread complimentary maintenance was a standard offering, but reliability was generally considered sound, leveraging proven Mercedes engineering and some Tesla-derived powertrain technology.