Mercedes C300e test: the long-range rechargeable hybrid

With 60 kilometers of electric autonomy, it would have already caught our attention. But in the 300th version, the new C-Class (code name W206) goes way beyond what plug-in hybrids have accustomed us to.

She would be able to travel approximately 100 kilometers without sucking up a single milliliter of gasoline.

On paper, it’s remarkable, but it almost seems a bit big! Except that instead of a battery of 13.5 kWh of capacity, like that of its predecessor, this novelty embeds a 25.4 kWh accumulator block.

Add to that considerable progress in power consumption and you have a C-Class that has become impressive. Able to speed more than 150 km / h in electric mode and to cover long distance, the German brings together the best of both worlds.

Compromises are over: it is now possible to drive electric every day, even when living far from your workplace, and to consume fuel only during (very) long journeys.

We experienced it, during a journey of about 110 kilometers in Germany mixing city, secondary network and (very) expressways, which we could almost have established without using the four-cylinder engine.

With its electric machinery to support a 1.5 liter turbo of 204 hp, the C300e has a cumulative power of 312 hp and a total of 550 Nm of torque.

If the official times are still at the homologation stage, you might as well say that the performances are quite pleasing… Each frank pressure on the right pedal pushes you into your seat when the battery is still charged.

The rest of the time, the availability and smoothness of the system in hybrid mode benefit well-being and pleasure, with a very well-managed 9-speed automatic gearbox.

The only small flaw of this C-Class: its thermal engine, which absorbs a little less than 9 l / 100 km when it “works” on its own (empty battery), is somewhat heard during heavy loads.

If it does not apparently hamper the boot volume, however limited to less than 400 liters, the substantial battery, located at the rear of the chassis, generates an overweight which dangerously brings this Class C two tons.

But this is not really felt when driving. Simple propulsion based on a brand new platform called MRA (Modular Rear Architecture), the C remains comfortable, healthy and very safe, with an engaging front end and pleasant handling.

The wheels of our test model, 18 inches, also benefit from the comfort of the suspension: this plug-in hybrid version, necessarily equipped with pneumatic damping on the rear axle, turned out to be softer than the C220d tested. previously in AMG finish and fitted with 19 ”rims.

On the recharging side, with a maximum power of 55 kW, Mercedes ensures that the Lithium-Ion battery can be fully “filled” in thirty minutes from a fast terminal.

But these PHEV motorizations are mainly intended to be connected at home or at the workplace; count two good hours from an 11 kW terminal.

Welcoming, with a dashboard reminiscent of that of the new S-Class, the C300e incorporates a perfectly integrated 11.9 ”touchscreen as well as a 12.3 ”digital screen as counters.

Its technological equipment, innovative and complete, however responds to an interface requiring a few days of learning. Note also that habitability does not improve compared to that of the previous version, despite a wheelbase revised upwards (+ 2.5 cm).

On the financial side, the price of this Class C300e, which will also be offered as a station wagon, is not yet official. We imagine it a little over € 60,000.

But that the very big rollers wait: a plug-in hybrid version “of”, clad with a diesel engine, should also integrate the range.

Mercedes C300e test – our opinion:

This C300e impresses with its electric autonomy. It will not be the most accessible, but presents itself as the best plug-in hybrid car on the market!

WE love

• Electric autonomy
• Consumption and performance
• Presentation and equipment

We like less

• Trunk volume
• Price and option prices
• Rising template

Technical sheet (Mercedes C300e)

• Engine: front, 4-cylinder, petrol, turbo, 1496cc³ – 204 ch/300 Nm
• Electric motor: permanent magnet synchronous – 129 hp / 440 Nm
• Batterie : Lithium-Ion, 25,4 kWh
• Transmission: rear-wheel drive, automatic, 9-speed
• Cumulative power (hp): 312
• Cumulative torque (Nm): 550
• Empty weight (kg): 1,880 *
• Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,75×1,82×1,44
• Wheelbase (m): 2.87
• Turning diameter (m): 11,1
• Max speed (km / h): 250
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): nc
• Tires of the AV-AR test: 225/45 R 18 – 255/40 R 18
• Standard tires: GoodYear Eagle F1
• Conso. Mixed WLTP (l / 100 km): nc
• CO₂ (g/km): nc
• Bonus / Malus: 0 €
• Chest (l): nc
• Front / rear elbow width (cm): 148/145
• Rear legroom (cm): 74
• Tank (l): nc
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Warranty: 2 years / unlimited mileage
• Fiscal power: nc
• Base rate: 62,000 € (300e) *

* estimations

PROPOSED RANGE (Mercedes Classe C W206)
Gasoline, 204 hp, from € 49,550 to € 52,500
Diesel, 200 hp, from € 52,950 to € 55,900
Plug-in gasoline hybrid, 312 hp, price not defined

MAIN CONCURRENTS

• BMW 330e, plug-in hybrid, 292 hp, from € 52,750
• Volvo S60 Recharge T6, plug-in hybrid, 253 + 87 hp, from € 59,750
• Peugeot 508 PSE, plug-in hybrid, 360 hp, from € 67,100

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