The first volume production electric car by Mercedes-Benz – the B-Class Electric Drive – is now available to order in the UK.

Split into two model lines – Sport and Electric Art – the B-Class Electric Drive is capable of travelling up to 142-miles on a single charge and can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 7.9-seconds thanks to its 180 hp and 340 NM of torque generated by an electric motor.

Prices for the B-Class Electric Drive start at £31,950 for the Sport model. Subject to approval, an OLEV grant (£5,000) can be applied, bringing the on-the-road price to £26,950. The Electric Art is priced at £32,245 – reduced to £27,245 should the OLEV grant be applied.

The Sport model features a substantial list of standard equipment, including a unique design for the front and rear bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a seven-inch central display, Artico trim, automatic climate control, a reversing camera and cruise control. The Sport model is available in a choice of eight paint colours.

The Electric Art model – available in either Cirrus White or South Seas Blue – features contrasting mirrors and radiator grille elements, 18-inch dual colour alloy wheels, automatic climate control, contrast blue stitching for the seats and aluminium trim.

The lithium-ion batteries that power the B-Class Electric Drive are tightly packaged under the floor of the car, meaning the car retains its benchmark cabin room and boot space.

Charging via a wall box or public charging station is made easier through a fast charging cable supplied with the car, which takes between three and four hours and brings the battery from a completely empty state to fully charged.

A conventional home supply raises the charge time to around nine hours.

The electric technology in the car was jointly developed with US car maker Tesla.

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