Germany’s premium carmakers are notorious for following in their domestic rivals’ footsteps whenever one of them makes a move into a new niche, so after seeing BMW testing a 3-Series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Mercedes is readying its own model, though, at this point, we don’t know who proceeded first.
Our spy shots show two electrified prototypes of the new W205 C-Class based on the existing sedan and the forthcoming station wagon edition, with both cars featuring an electric socket for charging in the rear bumper.
It’s not clear yet if Mercedes will follow the lead of BMW and utilize a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine as the main power source for tis W205 PHEV or (less likely) if it will go for a bigger V6 petrol unit as it did with the S500 Plug-In Hybrid that pairs a 328hp 3.0-liter turbo V6 with a 107hp electric motor.
The two plug-in hybrid versions of the C-Class, which should also feature bespoke exterior and interior accents as well as improved aerodynamics over their regular counterparts, are expected to arrive next year.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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