84 MPG combined is the headline number for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive, a figure that immediately communicates its purpose. This isn’t a car for long-haul road trips or hauling heavy loads, it’s a focused, premium compact designed for urban and suburban drivers who want efficiency and a near-silent driving experience. The B-Class Electric Drive caters to a buyer more concerned with minimizing their carbon footprint and maximizing their savings at the pump than with outright performance or rugged capability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the B-Class Electric Drive show its strengths. An 85 MPG city rating highlights its suitability for stop-and-go traffic, where regenerative braking captures energy and minimizes battery drain. The 82 MPG highway rating, while slightly lower, remains impressive and shows the car’s ability to maintain reasonable efficiency at higher speeds. These figures translate to lower day-to-day running costs for Mercedes-Benz owners.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is precisely $900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average electricity prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local electricity rates, and how often you charge your vehicle. However, the $900 provides a solid benchmark for comparing the B-Class Electric Drive’s running costs against those of gasoline-powered vehicles or even other electric cars.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA’s numbers provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary based on external factors. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of air conditioning, and consistently driving at high speeds will all negatively impact the B-Class Electric Drive’s range and efficiency. Smooth driving, smart use of regenerative braking, and pre-conditioning the cabin while plugged in can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. Owners willing to change their driving style to want efficiency will see the greatest benefits.

How it compares

The electric vehicle market has changed since 2015, but at the time, the B-Class Electric Drive offered an alternative to other EVs. The BMW i3 with the range extender offered a similar city MPG. The Nissan Leaf delivered a lower overall MPG rating. Even gasoline-powered hybrids like the Toyota Prius (52 MPG combined) couldn’t match the all-electric efficiency of the B-Class. These comparisons matter to the EV buyer who is also cross-shopping other vehicles. For buyers who want a premium experience and all-electric driving, the B-Class Electric Drive was a strong contender.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the easiest ways to improve the B-Class Electric Drive’s efficiency is to maximize regenerative braking. The car offers different levels of regeneration, allowing you to tailor the braking response to your driving style. Experiment with the settings and learn to anticipate traffic flow to maximize energy capture.

Pre-conditioning the cabin while the car is plugged in is another simple yet effective method. By heating or cooling the interior using grid power, you can minimize the energy required from the battery once you start driving, especially during extreme weather conditions. Do not overestimate this vehicle’s ability to travel longer distances in inclement weather.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which can improve both range and handling. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo impacts the car’s overall efficiency, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to minimize the load on the electric motor.

Consult all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to place this MPGe rating among all other vehicles from the brand. Also see B CLASS MPG across all years beyond 2015.