Mercedes B-Class 250e

Overview

The 2017 Mercedes B-Class 250e was a bit of a pioneer, offering premium electric motoring in a practical compact MPV package before EVs really hit the mainstream. It brought that coveted three-pointed star to the early EV scene. While discontinued, it’s a solid choice on the used market, especially for city dwellers, with prices around €11,990. It's all about blending Mercedes refinement with zero-emission driving, making it a surprisingly versatile hatchback. Its unique proposition was a premium badge in a then-niche segment, packing an electric heart with Mercedes' own integration and tuning.

What's New for 2017?

As the 2017 model year marked the B-Class 250e's final bow, it largely carried over its established features without major shake-ups. The focus was on its existing blend of electric performance and Mercedes practicality. One notable aspect for later models was the availability of an optional 11 kW on-board AC charger, a step up from the standard 9.6 kW unit, allowing for slightly quicker top-ups at compatible home or public AC stations. Otherwise, it retained the familiar setup that defined its production run, offering a taste of premium EV life.

Design & Exterior

The B-Class 250e keeps that familiar, slightly tall hatchback-meets-MPV silhouette, making it super practical without shouting "I'm electric!" too loudly. Subtle EV cues like a distinct grille and aero-optimised wheels set it apart. It’s a smart, understated look. Dimension-wise, it measures 4359 mm in length, a city-friendly 1786 mm in width (sans mirrors), and stands 1557 mm tall, giving it a confident stance. It’s more about sensible style than aggressive sportiness, fitting perfectly with its comfortable, eco-conscious character.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and you’re greeted by typical Mercedes quality, albeit from an earlier design era. Materials are decent, and the cabin feels well put together, offering good space for five. Passenger comfort is a strong suit. Cargo is a real highlight: a generous 501 litres in the boot expands to a van-like 1456 litres with the rear seats folded flat! Sadly, no frunk here. Tech-wise, it featured an infotainment screen (likely around 8 inches with Mercedes’ COMAND system), but modern must-haves like widespread Apple CarPlay/Android Auto might have been optional or late additions.

Performance & Driving Experience

This electric B-Class is surprisingly nippy! With its 132 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) pumping out a healthy 340 Nm of torque to the front wheels, it’ll whisk you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.9 seconds. That instant electric shove makes it great for darting through city traffic. The driving experience is smooth and refined, typical Mercedes, with a comfortable ride. It’s not a sports car, but it handles predictably. Regenerative braking helps eke out extra range, and you can often adjust its intensity, making for a polished driving feel in town.

Range, Battery & Charging

The B-Class 250e packs a 28 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 142 km – best for city hops. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 5.07 km/kWh. Charging is AC-only via its Type 2 (Mennekes) port. Standard AC charging is 9.6 kW, with an 11 kW option cutting full charge time from roughly 3 hours to about 2.5 hours. Crucially, this Merc missed out on DC fast charging, a significant limitation for longer journeys. So, plan your trips or stick to urban adventures!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the B-Class 250e itself doesn't have a specific Euro NCAP rating, the conventionally powered W246 B-Class, on which it's based, scored a full five stars back in 2011, indicating a strong safety foundation. For driver aids, the 250e typically came with Mercedes' Collision Prevention Assist as standard, which could warn of impending collisions and even apply brakes. Optional extras often included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors or Active Park Assist, beefing up its safety credentials for peace of mind.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Mercedes typically offered a comprehensive vehicle warranty in Europe, often 2 years with unlimited kilometres. The crucial battery warranty for the B-Class 250e was generally competitive, usually around 8 years or 160,000 km, safeguarding against significant degradation. Powertrain components also fell under warranty. Maintenance is a plus for EVs – fewer moving parts mean less servicing than a petrol or diesel car. Reliability has been generally good for the B250e, though like any vehicle, regular checks are wise. Always check specific warranty details for a used example.