Mercedes-Benz C-class plug-in hybrid revealed

Mercedes-Benz will bring a plug-in hybrid version of its C-class sedan next year for the international markets, claims a latest report. The report also states that C-Class plug-in hybrid version will ditch the expected six-cylinder petrol engine, and use the 208 bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the C250 as an engine-generator.

Its electric power will come from a 67 bhp electric motor, which will be connected to a battery pack, that is actually good for a 52 km run on all-electric range. To be offered only in sedan form, the C350 is primarily intended for the Chinese and North American markets. Furthermore, the car is most likely to carry an expensive price tag compared to the C400 petrol model.

As per the spy shots, the C350 Plug-in Hybrid looks identical to the standard model, the only addition comes in the form of a charging port that is integrated into the rear bumper, similar to the configuration in Mercedes-Benz S-class plug-in hybrid. The saloon is likely to be equipped with an active shutter grille, to improve the aerodynamics when the extra cooling isn't required.

Recently details for the brand’s first plug-in model offering, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S500 also came out. The S500 Plug-in Hybrid combines a twin-turbo petrol V6 engine with an 80 kW electric motor. The combination churns out maximum power of 435 bhp and 650 Nm of peak torque. And with these power specs. the 5.1-metre-long luxury saloon sprints 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.

It is also expected that the S-Class Plug-in Hybrid might be the first production model from the brand to feature a plug-less recharging system. The rumors even got some substance when Mercedes announced the development of inductive wireless recharging systems in collaboration with its rival BMW.

Source: Autocar UK

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