Features
20 aoû 19

Mercedes launches plug-in hybrid A Class and B Class

A 15.6kWh battery allows for 60km of electric range - and can be charged with both AC and DC.

As part of a massive electrification offensive Daimler is launching a plug-in hybrid model of its C segment hatchback, saloon and MPV: the A 250 e, A 250 e Saloon and the B 250 e, respectively. They are based on the 200 petrol model and combine a 1.33-litre four-cylinder with a 75kW electric motor, which in this case cranks up the total output to 160kW.

The electric motor is integrated in an automated dual clutch transmission – much like the Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine. The Mercedes has 8 gears instead of 7, though. And there is more that sets these EQ Power models apart: their batteries can be charged with either AC or DC. In the first case, a 7.4kW wallbox charges the battery from 10 to 100% in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Through direct current charging the battery can be topped up from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes.

CO2 emissions range from 32 to 36 g/km (NEDC 2.0). Prices start at about €31,000 excluding VAT for the A 250 e. The A 250 e Sedan is €250 more expensive, the B 250 e carries a price tag of about €31,600 excluding taxes. Those seem reasonable prices compared to the competitors - in so far as there are any.

The B 250 e is a direct rival to the BMW 2 Active Tourer plug-in hybrid (225xe). The only non-premium alternative is the Kia Niro Plug-in. The A 250 e only has to fear (a little) competition from the VW Golf GTE at this moment. The A 250 e Saloon has the market to its own.

Authored by: Dieter Quartier