Mercedes-Benz C-350 e plug-in sedan charges in

Mercedes-Benz has added the C 350 e plug-in electric hybrid sedan to its local C-Class range, with a drive-away price of $111,200. A charge pack adds $1300.

The C 350 e combines a 2.0 petrol engine with an onboard electric motor, battery and charging system. Owners will be able to travel up to 100 kilometres emissions free using just the electric motor. That makes for a combined WLTP fuel use figure of under 1L/100km (CO2 of 17g/km). With the supplied AC charger, the 25.4kWh onboard battery can be replenished overnight plugged into a 230v socket. The C 350 e can also be charged from a wall box or public AC charging station at up to 11kW. Quicker recharging is possible with the Charging Package Plus, allowing hook ups to 55kW fast chargers.

The C 350 e also offers a choice of energy regeneration modes. These recoup electrical energy during deceleration and braking, extending the electric driving range. The most active regeneration mode offers a ‘one-pedal driving’ experience. 

The four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque while the electric motor generates 95kW/440 Nm, for a system total of 230kW and 550 Nm. Mercedes claims a 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 6.1 seconds. The engine is mated to a 9-speed auto. There are also four different driving modes.

Compared with its predecessor, the battery pack has been repositioned and no longer eats into boot space, while still enabling split-folding of the rear seats. A smaller 50L fuel tank helps make this possible.

Special items include a Comfort Suspension package and self-levelling rear suspension. The C 350 e provides acoustic ambient protection, the electric mode emitting external sound designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists in the vicinity.

Standard items include leather upholstery, dark-tinted privacy glass, the Driving Assistance Package Plus (includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with RCTA, Active Lane-Change Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, route-based speed adaptation, and a side impact preparation system).

There’s also a 12-inch portrait-oriented central display screen, the latest MBUX multimedia operating system, sat nav, smartphone integration, DAB+ Digital Radio, and a fingerprint scanner allowing personalised settings for each driver. Speaking of which, in front of the driver is a LCD full colour 12.3-inch digital display.

Also standard are AMG Line interior trim, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, dual-zone air, powered sports front seats, ambient lighting, and keyless entry and start.

There’s also AMG Line bodystyling for the exterior, along with Adaptive LED headlights. The C 350 e rides on 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloys painted grey.

Safety items run to 10 airbags, a 360° camera, parking sensors front and rear, a self-parking system, and adaptive cruise control. 

The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e sedan is available to order now and is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.