The fourth generation A-Class that was introduced
earlier this year will be the first-ever A-Class to be offered in a plug-in
hybrid variant. AutoWeek reader Daan Ubels recently spotted a Mercedes A-Class
Plug-in Hybrid prototype in a parking lot.
The Mercedes A-Class Plug-in Hybrid will be direct
rival to the Audi A3 e-tron. It will employ a new petrol-electric powertrain
that will eventually make it to the next-gen Mercedes B-Class and even the
first-ever Mercedes GLB.
The combustion engine on duty will be the new
1.3-litre TCe turbocharged four-cylinder co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and
Renault. Renault calls it 1.3 L TCe, while Mercedes-Benz calls it M 282. The
German automaker has tuned it to deliver 163 PS and 250 Nm of torque
in the 2018 Mercedes A-Class.
The A-Class Plug-in Hybrid will be available in a
new ‘A250e 4MATIC’ model. The 163 PS M 282 engine, produced at Daimler’s
Kölleda plant in Thuringia, Germany, will be combined with a 90 PS electric
motor in this model. The petrol engine will send drive to the front wheels,
while the electric motor is said to power the rear wheels. There could be a
more affordable ‘A220e 4MATIC’ model with a powertrain teaming up a 136 PS
version of the M 282 engine and a 90 PS electric motor as well.
The Mercedes A-Class Plug-in Hybrid will be the most
eco-friendly variant of the fourth generation hatchback as a pure electric
variant isn’t planned. Instead, there will be a dedicated Mercedes EQ A riding
on this hatchback’s MFA2 platform. The Mercedes A-Class Plug-in Hybrid could
debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October. The Mercedes EQ A will debut in
2019.
