C 350 Plug-In Hybrid launched

For the first time, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is gaining a plug-in hybrid version. The appropriately named C 350 Plug-In Hybrid, which joins the existing C 300 BlueTec Hybrid, will be available in both saloon and estate guises.

Its powertrain comprises a 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) 2.0 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine plus an electric motor providing a further 80 bhp (60 kW / 81 PS).

Mercedes-Benz C 350 Plug-In Hybrid Estate (2015) Front Side

The total system output is rated at 275 bhp (205 kW / 279 PS) with 600 Nm (442 lb/ft) of peak torque. Delivered via a seven-speed automatic transmission, that’s enough to endow the saloon model with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) of only 5.9 seconds and a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The estate is very slightly slower.

In terms of efficiency, the saloon achieves an official 134.5 mpg (2.1 l/100km) on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions are just 48 g/km. A 6.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is sufficient for a modest pure-electric range of up to 19 miles (31 kilometres).

Mercedes-Benz C 350 Plug-In Hybrid Estate (2015) Rear Side

Recharge time using a normal 230 V domestic socket is reckoned to be around two hours at best, but that time drops by about 15 minutes when the car is plugged into a dedicated wallbox or public rapid charger.

The C 350 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard specification is going to include the Pre-Entry Climate Control system, Airmatic air suspension and Attention Assist to guard against driver fatigue. Deliveries are expected to begin in March 2015, but prices have yet to be confirmed.

Related post:
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate unveiled

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more