New Mercedes A 250 e and B 250 e plug-in hybrids revealed at Frankfurt
Mercedes has unveiled a pair of new plug-in hybrid vehicles, with a claimed all-electric range of around 40 miles
Mercedes has launched plug-in hybrid variants of the A-Class and B-Class, called the A 250 e and B 250 e respectively. The A 250 e will be priced from £32,500 for the hatchback and £33,100 for the saloon, while the B 250 e MPV will start from £33,700. All three models will be available to order in October, with first deliveries expected in early 2020.
Merc’s PHEV powertrain comprises a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (lifted from the mid-range A 200), a 15.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and a 75kW electric motor. The powertrain is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with total system output standing at 215bhp and 450Nm of torque.
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As a result, the A 250 e hatch has a 0–62mph time of 6.6 seconds, a top speed of 146mph, and a claimed (WLTP-rated) all-electric range of between 37 and 42 miles. Mercedes also claims economy and emissions figures for the A 250 e hatchback, with the former standing at 188.3mpg and the latter between 33–34g/km of CO2.
The Saloon version of the A 250 e has a marginally slower 0–62mph time of 6.7 seconds, but a higher top speed of 149mph. Its all-electric range remains the same, while its economy and emissions figures stand at 201.7mpg, and between 32–33g/km of CO2.
Due to the B 250 e’s larger dimensions, it’s marginally slower and slightly less efficient than both A-Class PHEVs. Its 0–62mph time stands at 6.8 seconds and its all-electric range is reduced to between 35 and 42 miles. Economy and emissions figures are 176.5mpg and 32–36g/km of CO2 respectively, although its top speed stands at 146mph.
Mercedes claims that all three PHEVs can be charged from 10 to 100 percent capacity in one hour and 45 minutes when plugged into a 7.4kW AC Wallbox. When using a commercially available DC fast-charger, the system can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in around 25 minutes.
Three drive modes are offered, with drivers given the choice of Comfort, Eco and Sport, and all three models feature a selectable energy recuperation system with four levels to choose from. All three cars’ MBUX infotainment and sat-nav systems can be programmed to find the most efficient route, as well as inform the driver of nearby compatible charging stations.
Mercedes is says its A-Class PHEV models share almost identical passenger and luggage space to their conventionally powered counterparts, thanks to a slightly smaller fuel tank (reduced from 45 to 35 litres), a shortened, re-routed exhaust system, and an efficiently packaged battery, stored under the rear bench seat.
What are your thoughts on the new A-Class and B-Class PHEVs? Let us know in the comments section below…
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