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2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive takes to the road (pictures)

Mercedes-Benz gave CNET an early drive in its upcoming B-Class Electric Drive, a new electric vehicle from the German automaker due to hit showrooms this summer.

Wayne_Cunningham.jpg
Wayne_Cunningham.jpg
Wayne Cunningham
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
1 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz fits an electric drivetrain, sourced from Tesla, into its B-Class, a model not previously sold in the US.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
2 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The B-Class is designed for five occupants and luggage.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
3 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The B-Class' design looks frumpy, but it is practical.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
4 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The 28 kilowatt-hour battery pack is fitted in the base of the chassis, between the front and rear axles.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
5 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

A J1772 charging port sits on the right rear fender.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
6 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Luggage space is not compromised by the battery pack.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
7 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

These comfortable, power-adjustable seats come standard.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
8 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The rear bench offers room for three, and includes a pass-through.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
9 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

These plastic trays are a nice convenience.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
10 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Fake wood trim actually looks good, but feels plasticky.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
11 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The electric power steering is well-weighted and responsive.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
12 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The standard Mercedes-Benz drive selector sits on the column, and the driver can use paddles to change the regeneration level.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
13 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The instrument panel includes multiple driver information screens, such as this efficient driving score.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
14 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
15 of 15 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz's latest cabin tech includes connected features, such as integrated apps.

Read more about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

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