The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class
will eventually go down the electrification road with not one, but two plug-in
hybrid powertrains. Claiming to have laid their hands on internal documents,
Autocar reports that the two PHEVS will be named the A220e 4Matic and the A250e
4Matic.
Both will use of a 1.3-liter petrol
engine, probably the one developed by Daimler and Renault, and an electric
motor. The internal combustion unit will allegedly power the front wheels,
whereas the electric motor will channel its output to the rear axle.
The only technical difference between
the A220e and A250e will be in terms of power, as the internal combustion
engine will churn out 136 hp and 163 hp respectively, with the electric motor
said to produce 90 hp in both models.
It’s unknown when the A-Class PHEVs will
debut, but the British mag suggests that it could be displayed as early as
October, at the 2018 Paris Auto Show. The plug-in hybrid powertrain won’t be
limited to the hatchback, as it could power other compact models, such as the
upcoming B-Class MPV and GLB boxy-looking SUV, that are based on the same
platform.
On the other hand, a zero-emissions
version of the fourth-gen A-Class is reportedly out of the question. That’s
because Mercedes will focus on the development of the new electrified EQ
sub-brand. This will include the EQ A battery-powered compact hatchback, the EQ
C electric SUV and other, as yet unknown, models.
