Photos by IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The new Mercedes-Benz C 350 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that was launched on Friday has an all-electric range of up to 117km (WLTP driving cycle) and its estimated price is from RM355,000 on-the-road without insurance.
Deliveries are set to start in March.
Assembled at the production plant in Pekan, Pahang, the C 350 e PHEV has a four-cylinder petrol 1,999cc engine producing 150kW (204hp) at 6,100rpm and torque of 320Nm from 2,000 to 4,000rpm.
Augmenting the combustion engine is an electric motor with 95kW and torque of 440Nm, resulting in system output of 230kW (313hp) and peak torque of 550Nm, thus ensuring compelling performance.
Acceleration from 0 to 100kph is achieved in just 6.1 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 245kph.
The 25.4kWh high-voltage (HV) battery was developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz AG.
It is part of a fourth-generation family of batteries, and consists of 96 cells in a pouch configuration.
To account for the high energy density, the HV battery has an internal cooling system.
The thermal management system can therefore control the operating temperature irrespective of the climate control in the vehicle interior.
A standard-fit 11kW charger is available for three-phase charging at a wallbox connected to the domestic AC mains.
Included with the C 350 e is a mode 2 charging cable.
“The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV embodies a fusion of agility and performance, accentuated by its sporty AMG appearance," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO and president Amanda Zhang.
"This vehicle offers our customers the flexibility of covering everyday routes for the most part in all-electric mode without using the combustion engine. Backed by a 6-year/100,000km high-voltage battery warranty, we deliver cutting-edge innovation and lasting assurance to our esteemed customers.”
The energy recovery function allows kinetic energy to be recuperated during deceleration or downhill driving, a process that has now also been improved in interaction with the hydraulic brake.
The energy recovery output is now over 100 kW. The intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route.
It takes into account such factors as navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route.
A driver wishing to influence the energy recovery rate can do so directly in three stages controlled by rocker switches behind the steering wheel.
This is possible in all driving modes except Sport.
In the driving mode D-, for example, the driver can experience the "one-pedal feeling": When the driver takes his foot off the accelerator the vehicle slows down, purely by electric means, to such an extent that the hydraulic foot brake is often not needed.
The operating strategy communicates with the sensors of the assistance systems and thus efficiently supports the driver in many driving situations.
Over longer distances in urban areas, for instance, the car will prioritise electric driving.
With the Battery Hold driving mode, maintaining the charge state of the high-voltage battery is given priority, for example when intending to drive in a city center; selection of the most suitable drive configuration by the hybrid powertrain system, depending on the driving situation and route.
The new C-Class has a haptic accelerator pedal module with a pressure point at an accelerator pedal angle of 9.7-degree.
In Electric mode, this power surge is activated and allows all-electric vehicle operation up to the additional pressure point.
If the pressure point is overridden, the combustion engine starts and delivers additional torque.
The new C-Class is even more dynamic, thanks to its AMG Line styling, featuring the iconicMercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome with18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Night Package includes sporty, expressive design elements in high-gloss black such as the louvre of the radiator shell, trim moulding in the AMG front apron, beltline trim strip and window surround, and exterior mirror housings.
Other key exterior highlights include Digital Light, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, panoramic sliding sunroof, and ambient lighting with projection of brand logo.
The rear-end design is typical of a Mercedes-Benz saloon.
The new C-Class features an AMG Line interior with metal structure trim elements, multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and AMG floor mats.
The Artico man-made leather upholstery in black and instrument panel and beltlines in Artico man-made leather in nappa look further accentuates the sense of comfort in the cabin.
The high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen and 11.9-inch touchscreen central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees.
The vehicle is also equipped with the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system making the interior more digital and intelligent.
Other cabin highlights include sport seats, fingerprint scanner, front wireless charging, ambient lighting and smartphone integration package.
The new C-Class features 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and GUARD 360-degree Vehicle protection.
The Agility+ Plan by Mercedes-Benz Financial offers benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus programme and a guaranteed future value of your car.
MobilityPlus offers a guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car when yours is sent for service and maintenance or warranty claims, for 48 hours or more.
Also, enjoy an additional 6 times service packages and up to RM3,800 Star Protect (Motor Insurance) support when you sign up with Agility+ for the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e.
