Mercedes A-Class Hybrid Could Get Electrically Driven Rear Axle

Mercedes A-Class Hybrid Could Get Electrically Driven Rear Axle

The new generation A-Class is already out and on sale in some countries, and Mercedes-Benz is working on additional versions for the cute hatchback. Aside from the sedan and crossover variants planned, the German company is also cooking up a plug-in hybrid model that, according to a recent report, should be revealed next year. Autocar claims the hybridized powertrain of the A-Class PHEV will combine a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with 163 horsepower (121 kilowatts) and an electric motor on the rear axle, providing additional 90 hp (66 kW). This layout will basically turn the A-Class into an AWD vehicle, hence the A250e 4Matic predicted name. Official interior images of the standard A-Class from earlier this year suggested the hybrid will have an all-electric range of approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers), but nothing can be confirmed at the moment. The engineers of the company are reportedly also prepping a less powerful system, which uses a slightly detuned version of the 1.3-liter engine with 136 hp (101 kW) and the same electric motor for the rear wheels. This more affordable option should wear the A220e 4Matic name, according to our British source. Our spies have already caught a prototype of the hybrid A-Class on tests, and the first photos revealed the design of the electrified hatch won鈥檛 be drastically different to the conventional gasoline and diesel variants. The two PHEVs will be the only electrified models in the new A-Class range, as Mercedes has no plans to bring a fully-electric vehicle with the same name to the market. However, a similar-sized, all-electric hatchback based on the MFA2 platform will be developed to join the automaker鈥檚 EQ family of EVs, taking the role of an entry-level option.

Mercedes-Benz says the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 6.7 seconds 鈥?some 0.7 second faster than the comparable BMW X3 and a scant 0.1 second inside the performance of the Audi Q5. Top speed is limited to 143 mph, but for most prospective GLK owners it will be the 4,400-pound tow rating that will matter most. Dynamically, the GLK delivers more than most prospective owners will likely ask from it. The C-Class chassis on which it sits responds positively to enthusiastic driving, imparting a feeling of agility that seems at odds with the GLK's tall stature. Driven briskly over challenging roads, this Benz acts more like a sporting wagon than a traditional off-roader. Front-end grip remains strong when you arrive into a corner quickly and body movements are impressively controlled as you commit to the apex. Where the GLK really scores, though, is its cosseting ride. The suspension is extremely well controlled and retains its composure, with little noise being directed back into the cabin even on broken bitumen. There is none of the abrupt vertical body movement so characteristic of the BMW X3.

There is one caveat, though. Our impressions were gathered from a GLK flaunting an optional sport package, which brings such goodies as a ride height that's 0.8 inch lower, plus 235/50R19 front and 255/45R19 rear Pirelli P Zero tires. As for its ability in low-traction situations, the GLK should also prove more than adequate for the majority of buyers, who are unlikely to subject it to anything more strenuous than a trip across their front lawn. Its 23-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle are better than the class average, as is its 19-degree breakover angle. With customary Mercedes thoroughness, the engineers have also ensured the GLK can ford a water crossing 12 inches deep. Along with the standard model driven here, Mercedes-Benz is also set to offer the GLK with a pair of optional off-road packages. The first concerns the styling and adds 17-inch wheels with trail-rated tires, while the second allows the recalibration of the drivetrain and traction systems with the push of a button and also adds hill-descent control plus off-road GPS navigation capability. Reservations about quirky styling aside, it is hard not to be impressed by the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK. OK, so the interior quality is somewhat patchy by Mercedes-Benz's vastly improved standards of late and there's just one engine choice for the time being. But in many other areas the new Mercedes-Benz GLK shows class-leading qualities, particularly in terms of driveline refinement and overall chassis competence. One thing's for sure. The next-generation BMW X3, due out in 2011, is going to have to be a good deal better than the existing model if it hopes to mirror the sort of success it has had up until now.

The acquisition fee charged by the dealer may affect the total cash due at signing. No security deposit required. 595 vehicle turn-in fee. 31,917 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Subject to credit approval. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. See participating dealer for details. Not valid in Puerto Rico. Please always wear your seat belt, drive safely and obey speed limits. Please see your dealer for final pricing. Please see your dealer for final pricing. Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through July 1, 2019. Not everyone will qualify. 59,126. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge, Premium 1 Package, Ventilated Front Seats and Surround View System. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options.

659. Your acquisition fee may vary by dealership. The acquisition fee charged by the dealer may affect the total cash due at signing. No security deposit required. 595 vehicle turn-in fee. 35,937 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Subject to credit approval. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. See participating dealer for details. Not valid in Puerto Rico. Please always wear your seat belt, drive safely and obey speed limits. Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through July 01, 2019. Not everyone will qualify. 64,346. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. 669. Your acquisition fee may vary by dealership. The acquisition fee charged by the dealer may affect the total cash due at signing.