What’s more expensive, a Mercedes B-Class or a Chevy Volt? Should the two different models even be compared? And, for that matter, which vehicle is actually the “better” one (ignoring brand-name hype/status)? Interesting questions — ones which were brought up recently by a commentator on the GM-Volt discussion forum.
That forum user, “comanchepilot,” started the forum topic off with this comment:
Current lease deals are around $375 a month plus whatever tax you have [15,000 miles] and then $325 for 10,000 miles a year.
The Mercedes B class comes with Nav, leather, 15k miles, and is a Benz – for $29000 cap cost, resulting in some pretty cheap leases – for example – ours is $309 a month and that includes tax for 15,000 miles a year.
The math looks like:
Sticker: $48950
Invoice: $46600
Benz discount: $5000
Benz dealer cash: $2500
Fed Rebate: $7500
Calif rebate [used as a down pymt] $2500
Cap Cost $29100
Good luck finding a Volt for $29100 cap cost with 15000 miles a year. . . . zero down net out of pocket with the tax, title, reg, lease acquisition cost, etc, plus – its not a GM . . . .
if you are using the car for commutation. . . and drive the usual less than 50 miles day – you’ll never buy gas anyway with the B-class . . . .
A quick rebuttal to this comment came from “goaterguy,” who wrote:
Meh. I got my fully equipped Volt with Premium interior, Bose and Nav, and safety 1 and 2 for: (this was in June 2014, very likely there are better deals now)
Sticker: $38,950
GM discount: $1,000
GM private offer: $1,000
Dealer rebate: $5,000
Incentive from work: $1,800 (I know this doesn’t apply to everyone but neither does the Calif rebate)
Federal credit: $7,500
Capital Cost: $22,650 – value when ready to trade in (you don’t get that with the lease) let’s be conservative and say $13,000 after the same 3 year of your lease = $9,650. I will likely trade when the 8yr drivetrain warranty is over.
I can drive it all the miles I want including trips over 80 miles and the best part its not a MB… MB depreciation and cost of maintenance is brutal but you already pay for it in the lease.
Hmm…
Another interesting reply comment came “DonC,” further supporting the Volt:
The Volt should be more expensive. The MB is a very ordinary car with a very limited range. I know one person who has one. He’s fine with it but no one else has been tempted. My wife and I looked at it when getting our last car and it was a total “Meh” experience.
You seem to be overly influenced by the logo or the high sticker.
Speaking for myself here — based on my admittedly not extensive experience with either the Volt or any of Mercedes’ offerings, I’d have to say that I’d be more interested in the Volt, personally — based on what I’ve read about the two over the years.
Do any of our readers that drive either of these models have anything to add?
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz
Thanks for the great article! The Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive is an absolute gem (and so fun to drive.) The Volt is great as well but there are many things to consider such as interior design based on one’s taste (both cars are great), space, legroom and headroom, and if you’re tall, or have tall friends who are 6’5″ or taller, the Mercedes B-Class is a great choice. And as the article mentions, with the awesome incentives, you may find that costs are pretty close! The Mercedes B-Class range is perfect for everyday city driving most urban drivers would need (if you need more than the range of the Mercedes B-Class chances are you need another choice of vehicle, not one of these two) and it’s just a great ride and car (it has a Tesla motor and battery by the way.) We love all the electric vehicles (MB, Chevy and the others…) out there and encourage drivers to test drive them and find the one that’s right for them. The drive, the gadgets, and not having to fill up if you get a 100% electric car (or filling up much less if it’s a plug-in hybrid), oh what a joy!