Is the Mercedes-Benz B 250 e Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?

The Mercedes B 250 is one of the best small cars in the luxury class, and the plug-in hybrid version doesn’t disappoint.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re considering a fuel-efficient and electrified vehicle, you’ve got three primary options: a hybrid, an all-electric car, or, the perfect compromise, a plug-in hybrid. PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor in addition to a standard gas-powered engine.
If you’re looking for a compact and luxury option, then
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Mercedes-Benz B 250 e plug-in hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz B 250 e plug-in hybrid might just be the ideal family vehicle for two reasons: First, regardless of powertrain, its compact size offers a wonderful, convenient alternative to traditional SUVs. Second, its fuel efficiency is tough to beat.

Pricing

Though the B 250 e isn’t available in the United States, it sells in the U.K. for a starting MSRP of £35,970 or about $43,097. This price tag certainly makes it one of Mercedes’ most affordable PHEVs, in keeping with the B-class tradition. 

Performance and fuel economy

The Mercedes-Benz B 250 e is powered by the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as all of their smaller vehicles: a 1.3-liter turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor and 15.6kWh battery. Its total output is 215 horsepower — enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph.
What’s most impressive is the vehicle’s 40-mile all-electric driving range. Combine that with a claimed fuel economy of 85 MPGe and you’ve got a high-performing eco-friendly vehicle.
This PHEV has a 7.4 kW AC onboard charger, meaning it’s capable of single-phase AC charging, which is appropriate for most U.K. homes. Unfortunately, it does not offer fast DC charging.

Exterior styling

The B-Class isn’t as visually striking as some of its more expensive sisters. It looks more like the A-class on the outside: cute, round, and understated. Its small size makes it well-suited for urban driving, as parallel parking and squeezing down narrow roads is a breeze.
It comes in 9 exterior colors options from classic favorites like Cirrus White, Cosmos Black Metallic, Mountain Gray Metallic, and Polar Silver Metallic, to more creative colors like Cocoa Brown Metallic, Jupiter Red, Kryptonite Green Metallic, and South Seas Blue Metallic.

Interior and comfort

While the outside of the B 250 e is cute and small, the inside feels extremely comfortable and classy. Plus, its spaciousness makes it a great family vehicle. There’s plenty of head and legroom for five people in both rows. The trunk, of course, loses some space to the hybrid’s battery pack.

Technology

Every trim level comes with a host of standard technologically-advanced features, including:
  • Bluetooth technology
  • Cruise control
  • Memory power seats
  • Power locks, windows, and mirrors
  • Traction control
  • AM/FM stereo, CD audio, and auxiliary audio input
For truly a truly luxurious experience, you’ll have to splurge a bit and upgrade to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automated parking, front heated seats, a navigation system, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, satellite radio, and more.

Warranty coverage

All new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are protected by our New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering defects in material or workmanship for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For added protection, you’ll have to upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty.

Trim levels and options

The 250 e is the only Mercedes-Benz B-class plug-in hybrid trim. Optional upgrades include a radar-based regenerative braking system with steering-wheel paddles, blind spot assist, a rearview camera, Parking Pilot, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an Electric Blue Interior Package.

The bottom line

As we mentioned, the Mercedes Benz B e plug-in hybrid is only available in the U.K. For families across the pond, however, it offers the best of both worlds: impeccable fuel economy and city-appropriate sizing, as well as a luxury style and feel for a decent affordable price.

2021 Mercedes-Benz B 250 e vs. 2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid

Interested in a compact luxury SUV that you can buy in the U.S? Let’s take a look at how the 2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid stacks up against the U.K. Mercedes.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Battery-only driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
2021 Mercedes-Benz B 250 e
$43,097
N/A
85 MPGe
40 miles
1.5 hours
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
$57,225
36 MPG
84 MPGe
37 miles
2.5 hours
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2021 Mercedes-Benz B 250 e vs. 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge

The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge is a small premium plug-in SUV that prioritizes comfort and safety over fuel efficiency, making it another great family-friendly option for American drivers who aren’t as caught up on saving as much gas.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Battery-only driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
2021 Mercedes-Benz B 250 e
$43,097
N/A
85 MPGe
40 miles
1.5 hours
2022 Volvo XC50 Recharge
$55,345
25 MPG
63 MPGe
35 miles
3-5 hours

How to save money on car insurance

Once you settle on a luxury PHEV, you’ll need to protect your purchase with a quality car insurance policy.
Fortunately, you won’t have to splurge! For cheap car insurance quotes fast, go to Jerry. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy.
The savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. If you want to switch policies, that’s fine! 
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