Merc C-Class now includes plug-in hybrid

A new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the popular Mercedes-Benz C-Class headlines revisions to the line-up.

The new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e Sedan, a member of the EQ Power family of plug-in hybrid vehicles, represents a key technology on the road to a CO2-neutral future.

But Mercedes-Benz New Zealand says that, unlike Australia, it’s not planning to launch the C 300 e here “at the moment”.

The electric motor generates up to 90kW of power and 440Nm of torque, providing up to 52km range – almost double that of its predecessor the C 350 e Sedan. The e-motor also forms an economical combination with the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which generates 155kW and 350Nm on its own.

Combined, the hybrid drivetrain develops maximum system outputs of 235kW and 700Nm, all sent to the rear wheels via a hybrid-specific version of the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, developed for use with EQ Power-enhanced vehicles.

It has a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 2.1 litres per 100km (bettering the 2.4L/100km of the previous C 350 e) and low CO2 emissions of 46 grams per kilometre, an improvement of more than 15%.

The C 300 e Sedan can sprint to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds – half a second quicker than the C 350 e.

The lithium-ion battery can store 13.5kWh of energy and may be fully recharged via its widely supported Type 2 plug in just two hours using the optional Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home, or a growing number of public charging stations.

The battery can be fully recharged in seven hours using a home power socket.

A bonus of the high-voltage onboard electrical system is that it also supplies power to the electric refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster, allowing the vehicle interior to be pre-climatised in summer or winter.

This third generation of hybrid technology, developed together with Bosch as part of the EM-motive joint venture, also supports the driver with intelligent drive management.

Other equipment packaged as standard with the C 300 e includes Air Body Control Suspension, the safety-focused Driver Assistance Package, leather upholstery and Keyless Go with hands-free boot-lid opening.

The line-up includes 19 variants, offering a choice of six petrol, petrol-electric and diesel drivetrains, plus four body styles (sedan, estate, coupé and cabriolet).

A C 200 Sport Edition is also now part of the range, loaded with a selection of additional features.

Revisions across the range include the addition of live traffic information to all models.