Already available in North America, the brand's first fully electric car is based on the B-Class's modular ENERGY SPACE body concept, which uses the underbody to house the lithium-ion battery, which means the Electric Drive model offers the same level of boot space.

Developed in partnership with Tesla, the electric motor offers 177bhp and 251lb.ft of torque, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 99mph.

The model also offers a more extensive version of the Mercedes connect me services via "connect.mercedes.me". This enables the driver to remotely check on the current charging level of the lithium-ion battery and current vehicle range as well as preheat or precool the vehicle ready for a specified departure time.

No specification details have been announced but it is likely that the model will carry over the two different driving modes – Efficiency and Sport – that feature on the US version, along the model’s variable regenerative braking that offers three strengths and a radar-based cruise control system that uses the motor braking to charge the battery depending on the speed of traffic ahead.

The model on sale in the US also includes an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance package on the battery.