Mercedes’ compact car range has been redesigned and is now electrified.
It was true, Mercedes electrified some models in its compact car range with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This included the A-Class hatchback and sedan as well as the B-Class minivan. The trio retains the traditional design but with the addition of a fuel cap at the rear to charge the 15.6-kWh battery.
The 250e models have the same turbocharged four-cylinder, 1.33-liter gasoline engine that you will find in an A-Class or a B-Class. It produces 158 horsepower (118kilowatts) as well as 250 Newton-meters of torque (184 pound-feet). The engine is paired with an electric motor that’s rated at 101 HP (75kW) and 300 Nm (221 Lb-ft). The PHEV system can produce a combined output 215 hp (163 kW) and 450Nm (332 lbft). It is connected to an eight speed, dual-clutch automated transmission.
Mercedes has more PHEVs:
The five-door hatch can reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.6 seconds. Its sedan counterpart takes an additional tenth. The B-Class will take 6.8 seconds. The top speed of the hatch and minivan is 146 mph (235 km/h), compared to the sedan’s 149 mph (248 kph). All three vehicles can reach speeds of 87 mph (140 km/h) in pure electric mode. The sedan’s speed is slightly higher at 149 mph (240 kph).
The 150-kg water-cooled battery pack is 331 pounds and provides the A250e hatch a range of zero-emissions between 60 and 68 km (37 to 42 mile) per WLTP, or 74-76 km (46-47 miles) according the NEDC regime.
The sedan has a slightly longer range: 61 to 69km (38 to 43 mi) WLTP / 75-77 km (47–48 mi) NEDC.
The B250e can move people between 56 and 67km (35 to 42 mi) WLTP, or 70 to 77km (43 to 48 mi) NEDC, before running out of power.
The battery can be charged with alternating current (AC) in as little as one hour and forty-five minutes. Direct-current charging (DC), charges the battery in 25 minutes and ranges from 10% to 80%.
Mercedes wants to emphasize that the additional hardware does not limit the trunk volume. This is due to the clever packaging. The exhaust system is an example. It does not extend to the car’s end, but instead ends at the floor. The transmission tunnel houses the rear silencer. The axle installation space is designed to accommodate the gasoline fuel tank, which makes it possible to place the battery pack underneath the rear seats.
German automaker BMW is taking orders for electrified A Class models. In the coming weeks, the B250e order books will be open. The A250e hatchback starts at EUR36,943, followed closely by the sedan at EUR37.300, and then the minivan at EUR37.663.
From 2020, more than 20 EQ Power-branded vehicles are available.