After only a few months on sale, Mercedes-Benz’s first mass-market electric car will apparently get some noteworthy updates for the new model year.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive will get the 2014 model’s “Range Package” as standard equipment, as part of an update that includes revised styling and other equipment changes, according to InsideEVs.
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This information comes from an order guide for the electric car that was posted on Facebook, but has since been taken down.
The Range Package allows drivers to to use more of the battery pack’s capacity for a temporary boost in range. It’s a $600 option on 2014 models.
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric DriveActivated by pressing a button on the center console before charging, this feature adds another 15 miles of range.
That’s in addition to the EPA-rated range of 87 miles. Because this feature isn’t meant to be used all of the time, it doesn’t figure into the range calculations.
MORE: BMW i3 Faces VW e-Golf, Mercedes B-Class Electric Cars In New Reviews
Other formerly-optional equipment expected to be made standard on 2015 models includes a Garmin-based navigation system and Keyless Go–which allows the car to be unlocked and started without touching the key fob.
Along with the internal-combustion B-Class models sold in Canada and various other markets, the Electric Drive is also expected to get some minor styling updates.
There will also be more available wheel options, in 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch sizes.
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive
Production of 2015 B-Class Electric Drive models will start later this month, with the first U.S. deliveries likely to begin in mid January.
Mercedes may sell the Electric Drive in all 50 states next year, after a limited U.S. launch that began back in July.
So far, the car has only been available in eight states: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
In those limited markets, Mercedes has sold slightly more than 150 B-Class Electric Drive plug-ins in its first three months on sale.
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