Mercedes-Benz Australia has reversed course on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), returning such a powertrain to its core C-Class range.
The current W206-series Mercedes-Benz C-Class was launched here in 2022 only with petrol power, despite PHEVs being offered overseas. While the hot Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance arrived later, there was no replacement for the old C300e.
Enter the C350e, which now finds itself with no direct competition following the axing of the BMW 330e and Volvo S60 T8 locally.
It’s available to order from today, priced at $98,200 before on-road costs – just over half the price of a C63.
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Mercedes-Benz currently advertises the petrol-powered C300 online with a price tag of $97,533 before on-roads, making the PHEV only a few hundred dollars pricier despite packing more power and kit.
The rear-wheel drive sedan mates a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque with a 95kW/440Nm electric motor, a 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the rear seats, and a nine-speed automatic transmission,
Total system outputs are 230kW and 550Nm, with claimed NEDC range of 104km and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz says kinetic energy of over 100kW is recovered through recuperation, and there are three stages of regenerative braking with its most aggressive having a “one-pedal feeling”.
When you program a destination into the satellite navigation, it will choose a route that considers map data, topography, speed limits and traffic conditions to ensure the most efficient use of energy.
DC fast-charging capability is a $1500 option, and allows the C350e to be charged at up to 55kW, via which Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-80 per cent battery charge take approximately 20 minutes.
11kW AC charging is standard, as are both a charging cable for public charging and one for home charging from a domestic socket.
Standard equipment in the C350e includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Digital Light headlights with adaptive high-beam
- Comfort Suspension with rear self-levelling
- Burmester 3D surround sound system
- Augmented reality satellite navigation
- Driving Assistance Package Plus
That’s on top of standard features found in the C300, which include:
- AMG Line interior and exterior styling
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear privacy glass
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Power-adjustable front sport seats with memory
- Head-up display
- Ambient lighting
- Wireless phone charger
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Surround-view camera
Pricing
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e | $98,200 |
