Mercedes-Benz & BMW Traditional Rivalry Keeps Up With New Technology

The Mercedes versus BMW rivalry has been like their cars… courtly but aggressive at the appropriate times.

These days the German giants of luxury performance are facing off on new turf with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric car shadowing the earlier presented BMW i3. These two compact electrics break interesting new ground.

The BMW boasts advanced regenerative braking that contributes to the 80 miles per full charge range, and extensive recycled materials. A range extending two-cylinder battery charging gas engine is likely to be added for the demands of US market.

The new Mercedes B-class offers a lithium ion powered electric motor developed by Tesla delivering an estimated 85 miles of range per 3 and a half mile charge, with a 60-mile boost from two additional hours of charging.

These electrics are due out in the US this year are priced about $1,000 apart with the Mercedes starting at a lower $41,450.

In the more traditional arena of high-efficiency clean diesels the new BMW 535d xDrive has a real fight on its hands against the Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC delivering an astounding 48-mpg EPA mileage rating.

This George Polgar of GT Marketing for KYW News Radio.