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DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Benz plugs in C-Class
First plug-in C-Class delivers 600Nm but consumes as little as 2.1L/100kmMercedes-Benz has revealed a ground-breaking new plug-in version of its C-Class that produces no less than 205kW of power and 600Nm of torque, yet consumes as little as 2.1L/100km.
Combining performance and efficiency in measures not previously seen in the mid-size luxury segment, the C 350 PLUG-IN HYBRID follows the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID as Merc's second hybrid C-Class.
It also follows the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID as its second of 10 plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) to be released over the next three years.
"The plug-in hybrid is an investment in the future of Mercedes-Benz and we believe it will become established as the successful technology for maximum efficiency coupled with powerful dynamic performance," said Daimler board member and R&D chief Prof Thomas Weber.
"We will be launching ten new plug-in hybrid models up to 2017".
While the C 300 hybrid is already on sale here priced from under $75,000, the plug-in S-Class and C-Class (which goes on sale in Europe in both sedan and wagon form in March) both remain under consideration for Australia. Motoring.com.au understands the C 350 PHEV sedan will be imported if it can be priced under $100,000.
Combining a 155kW/350Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 60kW/340Nm electric motor, the C-Class PHEV's total outputs of 205kW and 600Nm are enough for it to accelerate to 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds (6.2 for the Estate).
Both cars can travel at up to 130km/h in pure electric mode and, while the sedan has a 250km/h top speed, the wagon is good for 246km/h.
Despite the solid performance, both models consume just 2.1L/100km on the European combined cycle and the sedan emits just 48g/km of CO2 (Estate: 49g/km).
The water-cooled 6.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which weighs 100kg, is stored in a sheet steel housing under the rear axle, reducing the sedan's boot capacity to 335 litres and the Estate's to 350 – or 1370 with the rear seats folded.
Mercedes says it takes up to 3.5 hours to charge using a domestic power outlet – or as little as 1:45 with a 16-amp fast-charger.
Perhaps the only unimpressive figure is a 31km maximum zero-emissions driving range.
Both models are also equipped as standard with AIRMATIC air suspension and Pre-Entry Climate Control, which can be controlled via the internet.
Of course, brake energy regeneration is central to the system's efficiency, as is a seven-speed automatic transmission that incorporates both the electric motor and an additional clutch between it and the engine.
Essentially, in all-electric mode it decouples the engine from the drivetrain, and doubles as a torque converter for moving off under engine power.
In effect, the C 350 PHEV drives like a regular C-class auto, but adds electric power to boost the petrol engine under heavy throttle inputs.
However, it also offers the driver five different transmission modes, including I for Individual, which allows vehicle characteristics to be changed separately, including the drive system, chassis/suspension, steering, climate-control and ECO Assist.
There's also S for Sport (in which the engine is always active and performance is boosted via quicker gear changes and stiffer suspension and damping settings) and S +, which delivers maximum boost and the sportiest transmission and chassis settings.
C for Comfort is the default mode, in which all systems combine for engine boost and energy recuperation, "optimised for comfort and consumption". E for Economy reduces engine boost, and recuperation is minimised in favour of coasting distance and ECO Assist is active.
ECO Assist uses the radar camera of the standard proximity warning system to sense a slower moving vehicle ahead and then advise the driver to take the foot off the throttle via a double impulse through the haptic accelerator pedal. At that point the vehicle will adjust its deceleration automatically using the electric motor to avoid frequent braking in heavy traffic.
There are also a further four operating modes available within the Eco and Comfort transmission modes: Hybrid (which allows all boost and recuperation functions), E-mode (electric-only mode), E-save (which maintains the current battery charge level by limiting use of the electric motor) and Charge, in which the engine recharges the battery at the expense of fuel consumption.
Both C 350 PLUG-IN HYBRID models are offered in AVANTGARDE exterior specification or, as a no-cost option, EXCLUSIVE spec. Standard equipment includes a colour touch-screen, ATTENTION ASSIST fatigue warning and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS autonomous braking over 7km/h.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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