Here’s the first road test report with the electric Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell. Enjoy!
Driving the E-cell is remarkably straightforward. The electric motor, mounted low down at the front of the car, in the space usually occupied by its petrol or diesel engine, boasts 94bhp and 214lb ft of torque, which is available the moment you touch the accelerator.
There’s no waiting for the motor to hit its sweet spot, just strong forward progress from step-off. A single-speed gearbox also means there’s no need to swap ratios.
Mercedes quotes 0-37mph in 5.5sec – a figure that reflects the compact hatch’s impressive low-end acceleration and nippy nature at city speeds. As the pace rises, however, the weight of the electric drive system makes its presence felt.
The liquid-cooled, lithium ion battery pack is produced by Tesla in California. It has a capacity of 36kWh and provides a range of over 120 miles on one charge.