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Mercedes-Benz is to launch A-Class and B-Class Plug-in Hybrids under the EQ Power label.
The A 250 e and A 250 e Saloon can be ordered now, with the B 250 e to follow soon, for deliveries later this year. Electric driving ranges will be 35-43 miles based on the new WLTP test cycle, with combined CO2 emissions from 32-36 g/km.
The lithium-ion high-voltage battery has a total capacity of 15.6 kWh and the electric motor has an output of 75 kW. Together with the 1.33-litre four-cylinder engine this adds up to a system output of 160 kW (218 hp) and a system torque of 450 Nm. The A 250 e has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 6.6 seconds.
The A 250 e and B 250 e can be charged at a 7.4 kW Wallbox with alternating current (AC) in 1 hour 45 minutes from 10-100 percent. For direct current charging (DC) the battery can be charged from 10 – 80 percent in around 25 minutes.
Rather than extending to the end of the vehicle, the exhaust ends in a centrally positioned outlet under the vehicle floor, with the rear silencer housed in the transmission tunnel. Integrating the fuel tank into the axle installation space creates room beneath the rear seats for the high-voltage battery. This results in only minimal reduction in boot capacity for the A 250 e and B 250 e compared to the sister models without hybrid powertrains.
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system assists the driver in finding charging stations. Via Mercedes me Charge, drivers of a plug-in hybrid model can optionally obtain access to one of the world’s largest charging networks, with over 300 different operators in Europe alone (municipalities, car parks, motorways, shopping centres, etc.). Mercedes-Benz customers can find these stations easily and can gain convenient access to the charging stations via the Mercedes me Charge card, the Mercedes me App or directly from the car. No separate contracts are necessary for this: apart from simple authentication, customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing after they have registered their payment method once. Each charging procedure is booked automatically. The individual charging processes are clearly listed in a monthly invoice.
By the end of 2019 Mercedes-Benz will have more than ten plug-in hybrids in the range. The aim is to be able to offer customers well over 20 model variants in 2020.
The new plug-in hybrids of the S, E and C-Class with NEDC electric ranges of up to 50 km were unveiled last year. In the C and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to combine the diesel engine with plug-in technology, offering this set-up in the Saloon and Estate versions. The GLC will soon have EQ Power.
The next member of the EQ Power family will be the GLE, with a planned electric range of around 60 miles.
