As a plug-in hybrid, the new Mercedes-Benz C 350 e combines an extraordinary level of efficiency, dynamism and comfort.
The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e combines a combustion engine with an electric drive system and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 6.38 kWh, which can be charged from an external power source. Thanks to an intelligent on‑board charging system, this takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes at a wallbox. A charging time of around two hours is achievable via a socket. In practical use, this advanced hybrid technology impresses with low consumption and emission figures, but high performance: the electric motor is able to replace or support the combustion engine and makes use of energy generated while braking by converting it into electric energy, storing it and reusing it.
From a displacement of just under two liters, the four-cylinder petrol engine in the C 350 e produces 155 kW (211 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Newton meters. The electric motor has an output of up to 60 kW and delivers torque of 340 Newton meters. A total system output of 205 kW (279 hp), as well as system torque of 600 Newton meters, are thus available to be called upon by the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission.
The video takes us through the C350e’s intelligent hybrid system relies on a host of sensory equipment which work in tandem the route-based drive operation and radar-based energy recuperation functions.
The high overall system output and intelligent engine management give the car the driving dynamics of a sports car. The vehicle combines this with the ride comfort of a premium saloon, along with fuel consumption and environmental compatibility on a level that, until recently, would not even have been expected of many small cars. The Saloon can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while the Estate, at 6.2 seconds, is almost as quick off the mark. The Saloon can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) and the Estate up to 246 km/h (152.8 mph), both in conjunction with certified fuel consumption of 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers (112 mpg US). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 48 grams per kilometer (49 grams per kilometer for the Estate). Both variants of the C 350 e also offer the possibility of driving up to 31 kilometers (19 miles) in all-electric mode, and thus completely free of CO2 emissions locally – for example in the city.
A hybrid is efficient, dynamic and straightforward to drive
Driving the new C 350 e is as easy as any other automatic vehicle from Mercedes‑Benz: simply climb in, start the engine and off you go. As you do so, enjoy its exemplary efficiency and, if you so wish, kick down to experience the superb acceleration of the electric motor. Working in the background, intelligent engine management selects the ideal combination of combustion engine and electric motor automatically. Anyone wanting to can also choose and regulate the hybrid interplay and driving characteristics with the help of four operating modes (HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE) and five transmission modes, which emphasize economy, comfort or sportiness, for example.
