Mercedes is also launching the new W 206 C-Class generation as a plug-in hybrid. This allows the diesel and gasoline engine to drive 100 kilometers on pure electric power. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the PHEVs.
You’ve probably read dozens of times that a plug-in hybrid can drive up to 50 kilometers on electric power. With the PHEV models of the new C-Class (W 206), Mercedes wants to double this range figure. To achieve this, the Stuttgart-based company is garnishing its mid-range model with a 95 kW (129 hp) electric motor and a 25.4 kWh battery.
Neither the C 300 e nor the C 300 de will have a specially designed combustion engine. The new four-cylinder M 254 (gasoline) and OM 654 M (diesel) engines will be used, both with a displacement of two liters and 204 hp (gasoline) and 200 hp (diesel) respectively. The gasoline hybrid is to be available in a further power stage at a later date. All engines can be configured with all-wheel drive and as station wagon versions on request.
The hybrid version of the C-Class is available on a diesel or gasoline basis, as an estate and sedan, and with rear- or all-wheel drive.
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Compact design
Mercedes describes the design of the hybrid powertrain as compact. To live up to this claim, the manufacturer integrates the power electronics and stator into the transmission housing, thereby reducing the required installation space. At the same time, increasing the system voltage is said to improve drive performance without requiring larger cable cross sections. The permanently excited internal-rotor synchronous machine provides support in driving mode with a maximum of 440 Newton meters and takes over in solo mode up to a maximum speed of 140.
Mercedes does not purchase the high-voltage battery, but produces it in-house. It consists of 96 pouch cells and has internal cooling. This allows the operating temperature to be adjusted more precisely without fear of performance losses in hot or cold weather. In addition, thermal management enables fast charging via direct current at up to 55 kW. At this charging power, the PHEV C-Class needs around 30 minutes for a full charge. Three-phase charging at the home AC wallbox is ensured by the standard 11 kW on-board charger. Together with the battery, however, this costs cargo space in the rear compartment.
Hybridization costs cargo space. The sedan can hold 315 liters, the estate 360, but the PHEVs have a flat load floor without a step.
Less cargo space than in the combustion engine
While an estate can hold 490 liters as a combustion engine, the space available in the PHEV is reduced to 360 liters. That is still 45 liters more than in the plug-in hybrid of the previous generation. The length of the load compartment floor increases by 63 millimeters to 1.04 meters, and the height grows to 732 millimeters. With the seats folded down, you can stow up to 1,375 liters (1,510 liters in the combustion engine). The regular 455 liters fit under the tailgate of the sedan, while the part-time electric model has 315 liters, which is 140 liters less. However, the elimination of a step is beneficial to loading comfort. A flat load floor awaits luggage in the hybrid rear, and the rear axle of the PHEV models has air suspension and level control as standard.
The recuperation power can be set in the Electric, Hybrid and Battery Hold driving modes via the shift paddles from D+ via D to D- (One Pedal Drive). Mercedes specifies the maximum recuperation power as 100 kW. If required, the system automatically takes over the selection of driving mode and recuperation level, taking into account navi data, topography, traffic and speed limit. This works with active route guidance.
In the Electric, Hybrid and Battery Hold driving modes, the recuperation power can be divided into three intensity levels.
All other innovations in the W 206 series, such as second-generation MBUX, Digital Light, rear-axle steering or Over-The-Air updates, are of course also available in the hybrid versions. More details on the new C-Class can be found HERE.
Survey
Yes, they simply belong.
No, they are no longer in keeping with the times.
Conclusion
Mercedes no longer offers the C-Class of the W 206 series as a pure combustion engine. All drive variants are designed at least as mild hybrids. With the wide configuration range of plug-in hybrid models, the Stuttgart company underlines its claim to reduce emissions. The elimination of six- and eight-cylinder models also fits in with this.