Mercedes B-Class gets a facelift for 2015 – debuts at Paris Motor Show

The Mercedes B-Class has been given a bit of a facelift for 2015, with cosmetic tweaks, efficiency gains and the arrival of the electric B-Class ED.

It seems only five minutes since the second generation Mercedes B-Class arrived, but it’s getting a bit of a facelift – with the emphasis on the ‘bit’ – for 2015, with the main focus being the arrival for the UK of the B-Class Electric Drive which, for many considering an EV from a premium maker, is perhaps a better option than the ‘statement’ BMW i3.

Tesla had a big input on the B-Class ED’s electric gubbins, and the result is an electric B-Class that develops 177bhp (and 251lb/ft of torque), enough for a scoot to 62mph in 7.9 seconds (top speed is limited to 100mph). Range, in an ideal world, is 124 miles from the 16.6kWh lithium ion batteries – enough for most commutes.

The B-Class ED gets the same cosmetic updates as the rest of the 2015 B-Class range, including restyled front bumper, grill and running lights (although you’d be hard-pushed to tell), optional LED headlights (but not, oddly, on the ED), new back bumper, tailpipes and tail light graphics.

Inside, there’s a new 8″ Infotainment screen, with a now ‘high-grade’ interior and options like ambient lighting (with a choice of 12 colours) and Keyless-Go on offer.

Under the bonnet, the B-Class comes with an all 4-cylinder choice (unless you’re opting for the ED) with the petrol B180 offering 120bhp and B220 154bhp and the diesel offerings the 107bhp B180 CDI, 107bhp B180 CDI ECO, 134bhp B200 CDI and 175bhp B220 CDI. Both manual and 7G-DCT auto ‘boxes are available and 4Matic 4WD on models including the B200 CDI.

Sales of the new Mercedes B-Class start on 12 September, with first deliveries in November and prices from £22,750 for the B180 manual.