DecodedCars2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 87 mi · 3.5 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 87 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 87 miles and takes about 3.5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-Class Electric Drive EV | 132 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 87 mi · 40 kWh/100mi | – | $900 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.
Similar 2015 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (this car) | 87 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Lexus ES | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Communication · Nov 1, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V787000 · 24,226 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
- Risk
- An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Oct 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V655000 · 2,618 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 and resulting in a loss of propulsion power.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the electric drive system software, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Not every 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 87 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other B-Class Electric Drive years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 B-Class Electric Drive | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 B-Class Electric Drive | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2014 B-Class Electric Drive | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 2 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →