Mercedes-Benz has launched plug-in hybrid versions of its A-Class and B-Class compact cars. The new series is called 250e.
Regardless of the model of your choice, the powertrain will always include a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 160 hp (120 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, an electric motor with 102 hp (76 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft), a traction battery rated at 15.6 kWh, and an 8-speed DSG. The resulting actual power delivery to the ground is estimated at 218 hp (163 kW), the torque at 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), and the all-electric range at 70 to 77 kilometers (43 – 48 miles).
Depending on the body style, fuel consumption should lie within the range of 1.4 to 1.6 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers traveled (UK: 176 – 202 MPG, USA: 147 – 168 MPG). The A-Class sedan/saloon is the most economical of the bunch, whereas the B-Class MPV is the hungriest.
cceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.6 seconds if you are driving a hatchback or 6.7 s – 6.8 s otherwise. The sedan/saloon maxes out at 240 km/h (149 mph), but with 235 km/h (146 mph), the rest of the bunch isn’t too far behind.
The hybrid powertrain supports two selectable modes: Electric (default) and Battery Level (power saving). Charging from zero to 80% takes 25 minutes, while a full charge is attainable within 105 minutes, as long as you use the original vendor’s charger set.
Prices in Europe start at €37,000. Mercedes says the next-gen GLA SUV will be the next one to get a similar PHEV system.