Mercedes-Benz joins the likes of the fuel-cell Honda FCX Clarity with its new model called the B-Class F-CELL. It will go into production late this year, and expect to see it on the road in the U.S. and Europe in primeval 2010.

The hydrogen-powered electric car lays down 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, and has an estimated fuel economy equivalent to more than 70 mpg. The energy stored in its 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will allow it to have a 250 mile range. Top speed will only be 106 mph.

The B-Class F-CELL comes in a silver livery with 10-spoke alloys, heated leather seats, automatic climate control and Benz's COMMAND communications system.

Mercedes-Benz went back and forth in deciding to bring the compact B-Class to the States, and eventually decided not to. This version will be the first to be marketed in the U.S.

The maker says it is cooperating with government authorities, energy utilities and oil companies to build hydrogen filling stations in Hamburg, Stuttgart and California.

See the full press release after the jump.