Mercedes-Benz A-Class ’set for launch at Paris Auto Show’

A new all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class model is to be launched shortly, Reuters reports.

Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell, this limited production model is being developed together with Tesla and will reportedly make its world debut next month at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

Although few details have been released, the report observes that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell is expected to have a range of about 124 miles and a peak output of 214 pound-feet of torque.

“The battery pack is a lithium-ion type built of 4,000 individual cells and is rated at approximately 40 kilowatt-hours,” the news provider said.

Meanwhile, motoring enthusiasts have been encouraged to attend this year’s smart festival, which will take place at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, David Williams said that the festival coincides with the tenth anniversary of the arrival of right-hand drive smart models in the UK.

Festival-goers will even get the chance to test-drive the new smart fortwo electric drive, he explained.