Mercedes-Benz C350e Fall US Launch Delayed Into 2019

Mercedes-Benz C350e Fall US Launch Delayed Into 2019

Recently in August, Mercedes-Benz launched the S550 Plug-In Hybrid in the United States (selling 10 copies in both August and September). Included in that list was another Mercedes offering, the even more anticipated C350e, of which more than 1,000 copies have already been sold in Europe. However, we noted the C350e's recent absence of upcoming data when compiling our Monthly EV Sales Scorecard for the US last week. While the C350e was not expected to be a large seller in the US in 2015, the news is not great nonetheless, as we looked forward to taking the newest plug-in Mercedes for a spin. The C350e was/is estimated by Mercedes to have an 18.6 electric mile range via a 6.2 kWh battery, which is now looking a touch too optimistic in light of the S550 Plug-In Hybrid's recent final EPA result. Perhaps some tweaking of the e-modes to give the Mercedes a more pure all-electric range is in the cards? Or maybe it is simply higher than expected demand in Europe that is eating into the US allocation.

Further systems from the new S and E-Class, either new or with significantly enhanced functions, are also available as options. Even the basic version of the sophisticated multimedia system found in the C-Class is internet-compatible, if there is an active mbrace subscription and Mercedes-Benz Apps package. This enables the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. Also standard is a Hands-free Bluetooth interface, which allows calls to be placed or answered and access to select phonebooks without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Standard Bluetooth audio streaming also allows for convenient cable-free playback. In 1982, at the same time as it was launching the Mercedes-Benz 190, the predecessor to the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz also presented the first concept vehicle with hybrid drive - a two-cylinder horizontally opposed engine that served to charge the battery. A number of other experimental vehicles followed, and in 2009 Mercedes-Benz was proud to debut the world's first standard-specification hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery. For a long time this S400 HYBRID was the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered luxury sedan and the most successful hybrid in its segment. The second-generation hybrid transmission evolved on the basis of the 7G TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. It premiered in 2012 in the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID, the first diesel hybrid in the premium segment worldwide. By combining the efficiency of a diesel engine with the advantages of the hybrid drive, Mercedes-Benz set another milestone in the development of the automobile and exemplary fuel consumption values in the luxury sedan segment. After the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID, S400 HYBRID, S300 BlueTEC HYBRID, C300 BlueTEC HYBRID and S500 PLUG-IN HYBRID, the C350e is the latest hybrid model to come from Mercedes Benz. In the years to come the main emphasis will be on plug-in hybrids. The company is also a leading player in the field of purely electric mobility.

The Mercedes-Benz C350e is the first C-Class hybrid to be made available to the C-Class devouring South African buyer. Mercedes-Benz SA is now offering their most advanced hybrid technology in the C350e. The 350 numbering does not refer to engine size, but merely to position it above the C300 model. Efficiency, dynamism and comfort - never mind the best of both worlds - this is the best of 3 worlds, in 1 car. A first for the Mercedes-Benz East London plant is the manufacture of a C-Class with the latest plug-in hybrid technology for both local and export markets. You can plug in your plug-in hybrid C350e to recharge its motive battery. An intelligent on-board charging system means the battery can be recharged in around 1 hour 45 minutes at an installed wall-box (230V, 16A, 3.7kW single-phase). The engine is the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder of 155kW and 350Nm as found in the C250, which then combines, seemlessly, with the electric drivetrain when needed.

The hybrid module uses the 7G-Tronic transmission (a proper automatic rather than a whining CVT) though has an additional clutch between the engine and electric motor which allows it, in all-electric mode, to decouple the engine. This also allows moving off using the petrol engine, as substitute for the torque converter. The 0-100km/h time measure is 5.9 seconds, matching the 5.9 of the C300 model, but using far less fuel, and the electric boost is sure to be quicker in certain driving situations thanks to its on-tap electric-motor torque. Despite the space taken up by the battery, the C350e still has a boot capacity of 335 litres, compared to 480 in the regular C-Class sedan. The ECO Assist mode activates an additional function using the radar technology behind the standard proximity warning system. If the radar system identifies a slower-moving vehicle ahead, it sends a double impulse through the haptic accelerator pedal, signalling the driver to take his/her foot off the accelerator. The car will then adjust its deceleration automatically, using the electric motor to do so. This way frequent braking particularly in stop-and-go traffic can be avoided.