The latest news coming out of Mercedes is that the B-Class Electric Drive will be made available to the North American market before its sees dealer showrooms in Europe. Slated to be released in 2014, this variant will be classified as the W242, as opposed to W246 from which it was originally derived. The latest prototypes have been observed with revised front spoilers and side skirts, compared to what was presented at the 2012 Paris launch.
The W242 B-Class Electric Drive will be using the battery off the Tesla S, which will be mounted in the floor space in front of the rear axle. Producing 135 horsepower, the electric motor also offers almost 230 lb ft. of torque. Although it may seem paltry, remember that electric motors offer their full torque output virtually from 0 rpm, so this should give the driver perky enough performance for the urban commute. Actually, since Mercedes claims a 200 km range, the B-Class Electric Drive can even range further than what we've seen from other electrics so far.
Anybody who owns a Mercedes sedan can relate with the sense of luxury that ensconces you as soon as you settle yourself in the interior. For those who can't get enough of Mercedes design, there is of course the Mercedes and Formitalia partnership which has been offering Mercedes-designed chairs, lounges and tables.
Apparently though, this is not enough for some individuals, as Mercedes has collaborated with South African designer Katie Thompson in coming up with an SL-themed furniture collection. Having established herself as an artist who recycles different objects to be repurposed into furniture, Thompson set her sights on turning a Mercedes SL's interior into office-worthy furnishings. For example, the SL's dashboard was turned into a desk, where the gauge cluster has been made into a magnetized pad and world clock, the air vents becoming business card holders, while the ignition module now houses a USB charger.
Perhaps one of the most appealing conversions has been the use of the SL's seat into an office chair. The form-fitting seat of the SL has basically been given a stand, with all the individual adjustments seemingly intact. And with the plush Nappa leather holding you in place, the hard-working executive is reminded of the rewards of his, or her, labor.
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