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

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