Hatchback · EV
Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2014–2017 (W242 Electric Drive)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $39,900–$41,450
- Range
- 87 mi
- Strength: Excellent running costs
- Strength: Strong reliability
- Watch-out: Below-average tech
- Watch-out: Below-average value retention
How it scores for you10 scores
A roomy, solidly built compliance EV whose 87-mile range and orphaned Tesla-sourced drivetrain make it viable only as a cheap around-town runabout.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); none of its 5 recalls were serious. None of its 54 owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -3 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 90% of cars we track.
21.6 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 56% of other hatchbacks we track.
Tall hatchback packaging gives generous headroom and decent rear space for the footprint.
Brisk off the line with tidy manners, but a tall, softly tuned commuter at heart.
Dated COMAND interface and DC fast charging only via option; conceived as a compliance car.
Solid Mercedes build and a compliant ride; cabin plain by Benz standards.
EVs have typically lost value the fastest.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls8 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
8 recalls · 1 common complaint area across 2015–2017
- Powertrain — 12 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Airbags: frontal (2017)
- Powertrain — 10 complaints (2017)
2017
- RecallAirbags: frontal17V627000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe
- RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod
- RecallSteering; steering: gear box: shaft sector21V229000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain10 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
In November 2024, the vehicle indicated "add coolant". The vehicle was brought to Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale for servicing. The dealership apparently added coolant without advising me that the B250-E has a 100% chance of failure to the Drive Unit / coolant intrusion unless a small part is replace
2016
- RecallAirbags: frontal17V627000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe
- RecallCommunication19V787000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models
2015
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery15V655000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 B-Class Electric Drive vehicles manufactured November 21, 2013, to May 26, 2015. Due to a communication error within the electric drive system, the electric powertrain unit may shut down, temporarily immobilizing the vehicle a
- RecallAirbags: frontal17V627000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe
- RecallCommunication19V787000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Occasionally the car will lurch forward when coming to a stop. As you come to a stop it tries to propel the car forward as you are breaking and coming to a stop. Happens rarely but when it does it's a big safety concern.
Cost to own$24,800 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$39,900–$41,450
Estimated used price, by model year
$900/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
85
Highway MPG
82
Combined MPG
84
Electric range
87 mi
Horsepower
177 hp
Doors
5
Cargo volume
21.6 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
51.4 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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