Mercedes-Benz Clase C PHEV: first official data!

The first official data for the Mercedes-Benz Clase C PHEV are starting to arrive, and the plug-in hybrid petrol version of the W206 Clase C is stirring up enthusiasm. Only a few weeks ago, the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Clase C was unveiled, and at its debut it was already confirmed that it will have a plug-in hybrid version.

So far, very few details have been revealed about this version, which is not yet on sale. However, the star brand has published the first official data for the new Mercedes-Benz Clase C PHEV. Commercially it will be known as Mercedes-Benz C300e and will be equipped with a new-generation plug-in hybrid drive system. This system is only fitted to the Mercedes-Benz Clase S PHEV; the S580e.

Everything we know about the Mercedes-Benz Clase C PHEV

This model will be the most efficient version in the star brand’s range and, in addition, it will offer good performance, sufficient for a car of its characteristics. It will also offer a large all-electric range and fairly modest fuel consumption.

The new Mercedes-Benz C300e will be equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine capable of producing 204 CV. It will be managed by a nine-speed automatic gearbox, 9G-Tronic, and will be accompanied by an electric motor located on the front axle. The electric motor will deliver 129 CV. The battery will be a new-generation lithium-ion unit with a capacity of 25.4 kWh, which will allow a range of more than 100 km on a single charge according to the figures under the WLTP cycle.

It is important to highlight that the drive system will produce a combined total output of 313 CV and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. The battery can accept charges of 11 kW in two hours or 55 kW in direct current, which translates into 30 minutes to reach a 100% state of charge. The star brand has also confirmed that the plug-in hybrid system of the new Clase C weighs around 300 kilograms, of which 240 kg correspond to the battery and the rest to the motor, wiring and auxiliary components.

The German manufacturer has also reported that the Mercedes-Benz C300e cannot be fitted with the rear-axle steering that the new generation of the Clase C has been equipped with. This is due to the configuration of the vehicle, the layout of the vehicle and other components of the hybrid drive system. The boot capacity will be 315 litres in the saloon body, while the Estate version will offer a volume of 360 litres.

It should also be mentioned that a plug-in hybrid variant with a diesel engine will also arrive. It will be called the Mercedes-Benz C300de and will use a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 200 CV as the basis of its drive system. The electric motor will be common to the petrol version, but the total output will be 304 CV. Both versions will be available as a saloon or Estate, and will be built in Bremen, Germany and in South Africa.