We’ve seen the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e plug-in
hybrid in standard form as well as with AMG Line interior, but a
top-of-the-range example with the sportier exterior has remained elusive. Now, the full ensemble has become available for us to check out.
As intimated during the launch of the car last
October, the C 350 e AMG Line is priced at RM 299,888, RM 10,000 more expensive
than the Avantgarde model and RM 5,000 more than the one with the AMG Line
interior.
Outside, the C 350 e is differentiated from its
petrol-powered siblings through blue highlights around the LED Intelligent
Light System headlight projectors, as well as blue front brake callipers and
blue “Plug-in Hybrid” badging on the front fenders.
On top of that, the full AMG Line model tacks on
more aggressive front and rear bumpers and deeper side sills – the same as
you’d find on the C 250 AMG Line – plus the 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy
wheels already found on the AMG Line interior model (and the short-lived C 300
AMG Line).
Inside, the only identifiers that this is a plug-in
hybrid are C 350 e-specific screens on the COMAND centre display and the
instrument cluster’s multi-info display. Other than that, it’s the
standard-fare C-Class interior, with the AMG Line models adding an AMG flat-bottomed
steering wheel, metallic highlights and an analogue centre clock.
Standard features on the C 350 e include keyless
entry, push-button start, a sunroof, Thermotronic three-zone climate control, a
reverse camera and a 13-speaker, Audio 20 infotainment system and 7.0-inch
screen and a 590-watt Burmester sound system. Opting for either of the two AMG
Line models throws in a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera.
Power comes from the ubiquitous M270 2.0 litre
four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 208 hp and 350 Nm of
torque – the same outputs as the C 250. Sandwiched between it and the 7G-Tronic
Plus automatic transmission is an 80 hp/340 Nm electric motor, resulting in a
total system output of 279 hp and a whopping 600 Nm.
As a result, the C 350 e is capable of sprinting
from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, as well as delivering a combined fuel
consumption figure of just 2.1 litres per 100 km on the European NEDC cycle and
carbon dioxide emissions of only 49 grams per kilometre. All-electric range is
31 km, and the car can travel in this mode at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
Juicing the electric motor is a 6.38 kWh lithium-ion
battery that sits under the boot floor, resulting in a stepped luggage bay and
reduced space from 475 litres to 335 litres. Charging time is around one hour
and 45 minutes via the RM 7,500 wallbox, or two and a half hours through the
standard household 230 V outlet; the charging port is located under the right
tail light.