Mercedes-Benz A250e Plug-in Hybrids Launched In Australia With 45-Mile Electric Range

The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has plugged into the heart of the compact segment in Australia, with the introduction of the A250e models.

Available in the hatchback and sedan body styles, from AU$63,400 (equal to US$46,111) and AU$66,000 (US$48,002) respectively, they offer up to 73 km (45 miles) of electric range, return 1.6 l/100 km (147 mpg US) and emit 34 g/km of CO2.

The 75 kW (101 HP / 102 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque electric motor, fed by a 15.6 kWh battery, starts the 1.3-liter petrol engine that develops 118 kW (158 HP / 160 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Channeled to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the combined output is 160 kW (215 HP / 218 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), and the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 6.6 seconds in the hatch and 6.7 seconds in the sedan.

Comparison: Would You Take The 2021 Audi A3 Sedan Over Its Rivals From Mercedes And BMW?

The A250e packs the standard Type 2 plug, with AC power at 3.7 kW, and customers can choose the DC Charging Package (AU$1,490 / US$1,084) that provides charging at 24 kW via the Type 2 CCS plug. With the latter option, the battery can be juiced up from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes. Drive modes include the usual Comfort, Eco and Sport, and also the Electric and Battery Level.

Both cars feature LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, MBUX infotainment system, voice control, smartphone integration and wireless charging and pre-entry climate control that can be accessed via the Mercedes me Connect suite of services.

A host of safety gear is also on deck, including the Active Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe accident anticipation system, Traffic Sign Assist and Adaptive High Beam Assist.