Mercedes B-Class hybrid: pricing, specification and release date

Mercedes has announced UK pricing and specification for the 'EQ Power' plug-in hybrid version of its B-Class hatchback, which will be known as the B 250 e. The range starts at £35,280 for the AMG Line Executive trim level and orders are open now, with deliveries commencing in late summer 2020.

Using the same powertrain as the Mercedes A-Class and CLA hybrids, the B-Class plug-in joins the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class saloons, as well as the GLC and GLE SUVs, in the German brand's hybrid line-up.

The Mercedes B-Class is a high-roofed, practical family car based on the A-Class' underpinnings. The B 250 e returns up to 235mpg fuel economy and emits 27g/km of CO2. Top speed is 146mph and acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds. Like the A-Class plug-ins, the B-Class can travel at up to 87mph on electric power alone.

Range in pure-electric mode is up to 42 miles and this, combined with the 27g/km CO2 emissions figures, sees the B-Class hybrid fall into the 6% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company-car tax band for the 2021/21 financial year. A 20% taxpayer will fork out just £12 a month to run one.

The B-Class hybrid uses the same 1.33-litre petrol engine and electric motor as the A 250 e, along with the same 10.6kWh (useable capacity) battery, so charging times for both models are identical – around an hour and 45 minutes for a 100% top-up from a 7.4kW home wallbox.

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Mercedes B-Class hybrid prices, specifications, standard equipment and options

After the entry-level £35,280 AMG Line Executive trim comes the £36,780 AMG Line Premium and £38,280 AMG Line Premium Plus models. The AMG Line Executive gets privacy glass, heated front seats, climate control, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, man-made leather and microfibre upholstery, smartphone integration (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a 10.25-inch media display and wireless charging as standard.

The AMG Line Premium adds a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, augmented reality for navigation, keyless go locking and unlocking, ambient lighting, illuminated doorsills with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering and an upgraded sound system. The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus adds a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and memory seats for the driver and front-seat passenger, plus traffic-sign recognition.

Additional safety equipment can be added – on the AMG Line Premium Plus model only – by specifying the £1,495 Driving Assistance package. This includes, blind-spot, active braking assistance, active cruise control, lane-changing assistance, speed-limit assistance and steering assistance systems.