Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid Debuts In Detroit

Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid Debuts In Detroit

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the C350 Plug-in Hybrid in Detroit at 2015 NAIAS. It's Daimler's second model of this kind after the S500 Plug-in Hybrid and will be followed by eight similar cars programmed to be launched within three years. Unlike the larger hybridized S500 which has a V6 engine, the C350 Plug-in Hybrid mixes up a four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine (from the C250) with a brushless electric motor. The conventional engine puts out 208 bhp (155 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) while the electric motor generates an additional 80 bhp (60 kW) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm). This hardware setup grants the greener C-Class with a combined output of 275 bhp (205 kW) and an impressive 442 lb-ft (599 Nm). Mercedes-Benz has installed a water-cooled 6.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack weighing 100 kg (220 lbs) under the trunk which has slashed 15 liters of cargo capacity so now it stands at 335 liters (sedan) & 350 liters (wagon). A full recharge takes 1h 45min from a 240V/16A source or 2h from a regular household 240V/13A socket and grants the vehicle with an electric range of 19.3 miles (31 km). When running in hybrid mode, both body styles can return an impressive 112 mpg US (134.5 mpg UK or 2.1 liters / 100 km) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 48 g/km.

The complex technology of the C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID makes it no more difficult to drive than a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission. But anyone wanting to can also intervene manually and regulate the hybrid interplay themselves, with the help of five operating modes and three transmission modes. This is done via an operating mode switch and a transmission mode switch located in the center console. A display in the middle of the instrument cluster shows the current setting. Selecting a specific transmission mode enables the driver to define certain functions that influence the driving experience. ECO Assist activates an additional function, using the radar technology behind the standard proximity warning system in order to do so. If the radar system identifies a slower-moving vehicle ahead, it sends a double impulse through the "haptic accelerator pedal" to signal to the driver to take their foot off the accelerator. The vehicle will then adjust its deceleration automatically, using the electric motor to do so.

In this way frequent braking, particularly in stop- and-go traffic, can be avoided. In addition to selecting a transmission program, the driver of the C350 PLUG- IN HYBRID can also use the operating mode switch to influence the regulation between electric mode and the use of the combustion engine for driving. Hybrid: All hybrid functions such as electric operating mode, boost and recuperation are available and are applied according to the driving situation and route in the most fuel-efficient manner. E-mode: Used for all-electric driving - for example in inner-city areas or because the battery holds sufficient charge for the remainder of the journey. E-save: The charge status of the battery is maintained - for example to allow all-electric driving in an environmental zone at a later stage in the journey. Electric driving and the boost function are therefore only available to a limited extent. Charge: Allows the battery to be recharged while driving using the combustion engine - for example in order to ensure a higher state of battery charge for later parts of the journey.

The combustion engine remains switched on and fuel consumption may increase. Electric operation is not possible. S, the "hybrid" operating mode is activated. In the "Individual" mode, the choice of available operating modes depends upon the drive system setting. The best strategy for efficient operation is anticipatory driving. Another key point is the requirement that urban areas should be reached with a fully charged battery if possible, so that the vehicle can be driven efficiently in stop-and-go traffic - and frequently in electric mode. The new C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers the familiar range of equipment and appointment options that are available in the C-Class. In addition, it includes the enhanced comfort feature AIRMATIC air suspension as part of its standard specification, along with a further comprehensive range of pre-entry climate control options. Thanks to its electronically regulated continuously variable damper adjustment at both the front and rear axle, the air suspension offers self-levelling suspension and outstanding ride comfort with minimal road roar and tire vibration even when the vehicle is loaded.

Pre-Entry Climate Control, a further standard feature, makes it possible to set the desired temperature for the interior of the vehicle before setting off - cooling it in the summer, or warming it up in the winter. This can be activated by pre-setting the departure time, which can be set in the vehicle or from home via the internet. This is possible due to the electrically powered refrigerant compressor and electric heating elements for the warm air circulation. In vehicles with the appropriate specification, the seat ventilation or heating will also be activated. In addition to the Pre-Entry Climate Control function, the charging of the vehicle can also be controlled online. It is also possible to check the charge status of the high-voltage battery or the vehicle's potential range in electric mode. The C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID is supplied with an aggressively elegant design, which emphasizes its sporty, premium-vehicle character. As an alternative, the Sedan is also available with the optional Luxury Package. With its classic radiator grille and the three-pointed star on the hood, the C-Class conveys prestige status and a sense of modern luxury.