Mercedes-Benz A250e And B250e Plug-In Hybrids Are On Deck

Mercedes-Benz has expanded the new generation A- and B-Class lineups with the introduction of the 250e plug-in hybrids.

Available for the hatchback and sedan versions of the A-Class and the B-Class minivan, the powertrain combines a 160 PS (158 hp / 118 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, 1.3-liter inline-four gasoline engine with a 102 PS (101 hp / 75 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) electric motor. Total system output is rated at 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

Also Read: Mercedes To Expand Plug-In Hybrid Range To 10 Models By End Of This Year

In a first for the brand’s car, the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine. It takes its juice from a 15.6 kWh battery, mounted beneath the rear seats, that allows the A-Class hatch and saloon to travel for 60-68 km (37-42 miles) and 61-69 km (38-43 miles), respectively, on a single charge, whereas the compact MPV has a driving range of 56-67 km (35-42 miles), in the WLTP test cycle. Plugging it into a 7.4 kW wallbox will recharge it from 10 to 100 percent in 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it also supports fast charging, with 10-80 percent being achieved in around 25 minutes.

In this spec, the A250e hatchback is the quickest of the three, needing 6.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint. The sedan is 0.1 seconds slower, which does it in 6.8 seconds. Top speed in the hatchback and people carrier is 235 km/h (146 mph), whereas the sedan tops out at 240 km/h (149 mph). All three can reach 140 km/h (87 mph) in the electric mode.

Additionally, the MBUX infotainment system has been enhanced with the addition of other features and can find nearby charging stations and display the battery level status.

The A250e models are already available to order in Germany, from €36,943.55 ($40,966) and €37,300.55 ($41,362) in the hatchback and saloon, respectively, tax included. The B250e will launch in a few weeks with an MSRP of €37,663.50 ($41,764).