NEWS
28 AUGUST 2019 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 9
A-CLASS AND B-CLASS PLUG-IN
HYBRIDS TO HIT UK SOON
Available to order from
early October, the A250e
(also available in saloon
form) and B250e are
powered by a 1.3-litre four-
cylinder petrol engine and
a 101bhp electric motor.
The combined output is
215bhp, with 332lb ft of
torque quoted.
The 15.6kWh lithium
ion battery provides an
electric-only range of
between 35 and 42 miles,
with an 80% charge from10% possible in 25 minutes
from a rapid charger.
Both models make use of
the more versatile CCS
charging system, too.
The A250e can cover
0-62mph in 6.6sec, with
the B250e taking 6.8sec.
Top speed is 146mph for the
hatchbacks and 149mph
for the saloon. Both models
weigh 150kg more than the
equivalent petrol example,
but Mercedes claims boot
space isn’t greatly affected.
U K p r i ce s h ave ye t to b e
confirmed, but an increase
of a r o u n d £ 3 0 0 0 ove r a nA250 or B250 is expected.
The compact models join
a number of plug-in hybrid
variants offered across the
brand’s range, with more
th a n 1 0 d u e b efo r e th e
year is out.
measures already brought to
the larger E-Class All Terrain.
The engine line-up for the
fifth-generation C-Class will
consist primarily of four-
cylinder petrol and diesel
engines featuring a choice of
EQ Boost mild-hybrid and EQ
Power plug-in hybrid functions
in combination with either a
starter/generator or gearbox-
mounted electric motor.New electric motor and
battery technology should
increase the efficiency of
future hybrid drivetrains,
although the plug-in C-Class is
likely to continue to offer the
31-mile range of the current
C 3 0 0 e d a t th e st a r t of s a l e s.
Despite the focus on
efficiency, Mercedes is also
planning successor models
to today’s C43 and C63. The
C43’s 3.0-litre inline six-
cylinder petrol engine will
adopt mild-hybrid tech, but
the C63 is set to continue with
an updated version of today’s
4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, with
up to 550bhp in a new range-
topping C63 S 4Matic+. Thatwill use a fully variable four-
wheel-drive system rather than
today’s rear-driven set-up.
In a bid to make the new
C-Class the most advanced car
in its class, Mercedes will bring
in the very latest autonomous
driving features to set what
one source involved in its
development has described to
Autocar as “new standards in
human-machine interface in
the automotive field”.
Leading the push is a new
Drive Pilot function with level
three functionality. Due to
make its debut on the seventh-
generation S-Class in 2020,
it will allow hands-off driving
at speeds of up to 80mph forextended distances.
This brings a whole new
range of sensor functions,
including long-range lidar,
multi-mode radar, the latest
ultra-sonic sensors and a new
stereo camera from Korean
supplier LG.
It also provides the basis
for a new level four automated
valet parking function
developed by Mercedes in
partnership with Bosch. It
allows the new C-Class to
negotiate parking garages and
manoeuvre into free parking
spaces – all via a smartphone
app interface.
Advanced adaptive cruise
control will allow the C-Class
to follow the car ahead at
speeds of up to 130mph,
slowing down automatically
when speed limits change.
It will also support the usual
active lane change, lane
keeping, emergency stop
and brake assist with cross-
traffic functions.
To make the most of these
functions, the C-Class’s new
interior will be inspired by
the earlier Concept EQ. It will
feature large digital displays
incorporating both the
instruments and infotainment
functions as well as new
touch-based controls in a less
bulky dashboard. This will also
provide a greater feeling ofinterior space, it is claimed.
GREG KABLE
`
Despite the focus on efficiency,
Mercedes is also planning
successors to the C43 and C
a
TIMETABLE
2021 C-Class saloon
2022 C-Class estate
2022 C-Class All Terrain
2022 C-Class coupé
2022 GLC SUV
2023 GLC Coupé
2023 C-Class cabriolet
A250 and B250e will go
o n s a l e i n e a r l y O c to b e r