2014 Mercedes B-Class: Best Electric-Car Lease Deal Available?

The number of available electric-car models may be limited compared to the legions of internal-combustion cars available, but that doesn't mean it's not worth hunting around for a good deal.

And right now, bargain shoppers may want to take a close look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.

As Mercedes dealers make room for 2015 models, incentives offered on 2014-model leases could make this Mercedes the best electric-car deal of the moment.

DON'T MISS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive: First Drive (May 2014)

However, getting that deal will take a little more than walking into a dealership and signing on the dotted line, according to CarsDirect.

Through April 30, the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive is available to lease at $299 a month for 36 months, and a cap of 10,000 miles per year.

It also requires $4,093 down at signing--a high amount compared to other current electric-car lease deals.

That may seem off-putting, but the B-Class is also available with a $5,000 dealer certificate, which can be applied to lease payments.

These certificates are given to dealers based on their sales history. Dealers with larger volumes are given more certificates, which they can apply to individual sales at their discretion.

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That means B-Class shoppers should consider getting quotes from multiple dealers--increasing the chance of finding one offering this unadvertised incentive.

Mercedes launched the B-Class Electric Drive last July in 10 states, but plans to expand sales to all 50 states in its full model year on sale here.

Some equipment that was optional on the 2014 model is now standard on the 2015.

That includes a navigation system, Keyless Go, and the Range Package--which adds an extra 15 miles of range in certain circumstances.

That's in addition to the EPA-rated 87 miles of range, which doesn't change with the model year.

SEE ALSO: Best Deals On Hybrid, Electric, Diesel Cars For April 2015

Neither does the gasoline-equivalent efficiency rating of 84 MPGe.

The 2015 model actually qualifies for a $3,000 dealer certificate, but buyers willing to sacrifice some luxuries will save more with a leftover 2014 model.