Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde

It all started with the biggest Mercedes ever, the S-Class, which as the S 500 plug-in hybrid started Mercedes' foray into mainstream use of plug-in hybrid technology. But he was not alone for long: it was soon joined by another in the plug-in lineup, the much smaller but equally eco-friendly or powerful sibling of the C 350 plug-in hybrid. Now there is a third, the GLE 550 Plug-In Hybrid, and seven more, not to mention about the diesel S-class.

A glance at the specs reveals that the battery and range aren't the best. Why? If the base, platform, is largely not designed with this technology in mind, it may happen that the battery interferes with the volume of the trunk or some other compromise is required, for example, a smaller fuel tank. The C 350 Plug-In Hybrid has a slightly smaller trunk than the regular C-Class, but at the same time, Mercedes engineers have provided a convenient place on the side of the trunk where you can store the charger for charging from your home mains, which, like all cars, due to the presence of control electronics, it is quite extensive. If you're a little creative, also put a Type2 cable in the same room for charging at charging stations. In addition, the cable is spiral-shaped and therefore does not get tangled, but it is true that it can be a meter or two longer.

The battery is of course lithium-ion and has a capacity of 6,2 kilowatt-hours, and it has enough electricity for 31 kilometers according to the ECE standard, but in fact, when you need to use an air conditioner and conditions are not ideal, you can count on a distance of 24 to 26 kilometers.

An electric motor rated at 211 kilowatts or 60 "horsepower" has been added to the 82 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, which adds up to the maximum power of an already sporting 279 "horsepower". And since the hybrid system together can handle up to 600 Newton-meters of torque, more than most diesel models on the market, it's clear that such a C-class driver will seriously hit the lower back when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed. The electric motor fits easily between the clutch and the automatic transmission, and the system has four classic modes of operation: all-electric (but the petrol engine still starts when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed), automatic hybrid, and battery saver. and battery charging mode.

When you are in economy mode, the active cruise control radar monitors what is happening in front of the vehicle, even when it is turned off, and alerts the driver with two short jerks to the accelerator pedal when it is necessary to relieve pressure. make driving in front economical. Big.

Of course, there is no shortage of electronic assistants for safer driving, including active steering wheel that corrects direction within the lane and automatic braking to avoid collisions (this works up to 200 kilometers per hour), and AirMatic air suspension comes standard. ...

In short, even the C plug-in hybrid is proof that they really do get superfluous in this diesel as it is quite fuel efficient both in the city and on long journeys.

 Душан Лукич photo: Саша Капетанович

Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde

Basic data

Base model price:	49.900 €
Test model cost:	63.704 €
Power:	155kW (211 KM)

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.991 cm3 - maximum power 155 kW (211 hp) at 5.500 rpm - maximum torque 350 Nm at 1.200-4.000 rpm. Electric motor - maximum power 60 kW - maximum torque 340 Nm. System power 205 kW (279 hp) - system torque 600 Nm.
Energy transfer:	the engine is driven by the rear wheels - 7-speed automatic transmission - tires 225/50 R 17 - 245/45 R17 (Bridgestone Potenza S001).
Capacity:	top speed 250 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 5,9 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 2,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 48 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.780 kg - permissible gross weight 2.305 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.686 mm - width 1.810 mm - height 1.442 mm - wheelbase 2.840 mm
Box:	trunk 480 l - fuel tank 50 l.