New Mercedes C- And E-Class Plug-In Hybrids Revealed With Diesel Engine

On the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes has introduced new C- and E-Class plug-in hybrids.

Set to go on sale this summer, the models will be equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission and a third-generation hybrid system. Mercedes was coy on specifics but confirmed the models will have a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that produces 122 PS (90 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque.

This will give the models an electric-only range of approximately 50 km (31 miles) and a total torque output of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). The cars will also be able to hit speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph) while being driven by electricity.

Speaking of electric power, the plug-in hybrids will be equipped with a new on-board charger which doubles the charging rate from 3.6 kW to 7.2 kW. Thanks to the improved system, the battery can be fully recharged in approximately two hours when used in conjunction with the company’s new Wallbox charger. However, drivers using a “conventional domestic power socket” will need approximately seven hours to fully recharge the battery.

Mercedes also revealed the third-generation hybrid system will gather data from the navigation system, camera and the radar sensor to “look ahead, well beyond the driver’s field of vision, and adjust to the specific speed/route profile.” The company says this helps the system to take various factors into account while planning how much electrical energy to apply and how much to recuperate.

Another nice feature on the hybrids is the electric refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster. This will enable owners to cool or warm their car before ever stepping foot inside.

The models will come with four-different modes including a default Hybrid setting. Other options include an E-Mode for using electricity and an E-Save mode for saving the battery for a later point in the journey. There’s also a Charge setting which will charge the battery while the car is being driven.