2019 Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEV Previewed To Media

2019 Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEV Previewed To Media

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today gave us a glimpse of things to come, with a quick preview of the Mercedes-Benz C350e plug-in hybrid, a day after launching the locally-assembled GLC 250 4Matic sports-activity vehicle. Set to replace the current range-topping C300 AMG Line (RM307,888) in the W205 C-Class range, the C350e is expected to hit the road at an estimated price of RM299,000. This puts the C350e's asking price well above the RM240k-RM260k ball park rumoured for the upcoming BMW 330e, but MBM officials have emphasized that the company is not keen to compete against its rivals on price, but rather on value. As you read this, the first C350e plug-in hybrid models start assembly in the Pekan production plant. Powering the C350e is the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, supplemented by an electric motor providing a total-system output of 279 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via Mercedes-Benz's in-house 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Energy for the electric motor is supplied by a 6.2kWh lithium-ion traction battery that sits just above the rear axles, chargeable through wall box kit or by a domestic socket. A full-charge will require around 2.0 hours on a wall-box kit or approximately 4.0 hours on a home-socket. The wall box charger is sold separately at RM7,200. With the battery fully charged, the C350e boasts an electric range of 31km at speeds of up to 130km/h, enabling Mercedes-Benz to acheive a calimed combined fuel economy of 2.1-2.4 litres/100km, emitting 48g/km of CO2. Crucially, the C350e is the third car in Malaysia to be offered with the firm's Airmatic suspension system as standard, a first for the segment. Previously, the Airmatic was only supplied on the S400 Hybrid and GLE400 SUV models. The car in the pictures is a pre-production model, shown here in Exclusive trim, actual C350e models will be delivered in full AMG Line trim level. This includes the AMG Exterior design bodykit, panoramic roof and 19-inch multi spoke light alloy wheels. The trim work around the headlamp projectors will also feature blue highlights to offer a visual differentiation from the non-hybrid models. The interior is similarly specified with the inclusion of the AMG Line interior package and Comand Online infotainment suite beaming information through an 8.4 inch display. The 590 watt, 13-speaker Burmester speaker system is also present and accounted for.

Mercedes revealed another plug-in hybrid model, the C350e, at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the company's scalable hybrid platform, the C350e offers 19 miles of electric range, and the total system makes 279 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It's part of the company's goal to bring 10 new plug-in models to the market by 2017 around the world. The hybrid system teams an electric motor with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed gearbox. The C350e also has regenerative braking and can be driven in four modes ranging from Eco to Sport Plus. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged in 1 hour, 45 seconds, and it has a total capacity of 6.2 kilowatt-hours. The C350e has an Airmatic suspension, an interior climate control system that can be controlled via the internet and offers Mercedes' suite of driver-assist technologies. Mercedes will sell the model as a sedan and a wagon in some markets. Following its premiere in the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is now offering its most advanced hybrid technology yet in the C-Class and, for the first time, also in an Estate model.

The dynamism and efficiency of the C 350 e make it a convincing proposition in both its Saloon and its Estate guise. With a range of 31 kilometres in purely electric mode, local emission-free driving is now a reality. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a powerful electric motor, gives it a total system output of 205 kW (279 hp) and torque of 600 Nm. The new C 350 e thus delivers the performance of a sports car and yet offers certified consumption figures of just 2.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres both as a Saloon and as an Estate. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 48 grams (49 grams for the Estate) per kilometre. Both models are also equipped as standard with AIRMATIC air suspension plus a Pre-Entry Climate Control system that can be controlled via the internet, adding up to a truly exceptional level of driving and climate comfort. Following the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, the C 350 e is the second hybrid model in the new C-Class and the second Mercedes-Benz model to feature PLUG-IN HYBRID technology.