Mercedes-Benz has expanded the new generation A- and
B-Class lineups with the introduction of the 250e plug-in hybrids. Available for the hatchback and
sedan versions of the A-Class and the B-Class minivan, the powertrain combines
a 160 PS and 250 Nm of torque, 1.3-liter
inline-four gasoline engine with a 102 PS and 300 Nm electric motor. Total system output is rated at 218 PS and 450 Nm of torque.
In a first for the brand’s car, the electric motor
starts the internal combustion engine. It takes its juice from a 15.6 kWh
battery, mounted beneath the rear seats, that allows the A-Class hatch and
saloon to travel for 60-68 km and 61-69 km on a single charge, whereas the compact MPV has a driving range
of 56-67 km, in the WLTP test cycle. Plugging it into a 7.4 kW
wallbox will recharge it from 10 to 100 percent in 1 hour and 45 minutes, but
it also supports fast charging, with 10-80 percent being achieved in around 25
minutes.
In this spec, the A250e hatchback is the quickest of
the three, needing 6.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint. The sedan
is 0.1 seconds slower, which does it in 6.8 seconds. Top speed in the hatchback
and people carrier is 235 km/h, whereas the sedan tops out at 240
km/h. All three can reach 140 km/h in the electric mode.
Additionally, the MBUX infotainment system has been
enhanced with the addition of other features and can find nearby charging
stations and display the battery level status.
The A250e models are already available to order in
Germany, from € 36,943.55 (US$ 40,966) and € 37,300.55 (US$ 41,362) in the hatchback
and saloon, respectively, tax included. The B250e will launch in a few weeks
with an MSRP of € 37,663.50 (US$ 41,764).
