The C 300 de Saloon or Estate is a particularly dynamic example of third-generation plug-in-hybrid technology from Mercedes-Benz. It is combined with the highly sophisticated four-cylinder diesel engine for the first time in the C-Class.
The result is a vehicle that can cover a distance of up to 57 km (NEDC) on electric power alone with zero local emissions. What’s more, the combination of diesel engine and electric motor offers outstanding motoring comfort, exceptional pulling power and high efficiency thanks to the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed hybrid transmission. Delivery of the first models is scheduled for mid-2019. There will naturally also be a plug-in-hybrid version with petrol engine based on the current C-Class.
The new plug-in diesel hybrid in the C-Class combines Mercedes-Benz’s most sophisticated diesel engine with an externally chargeable hybrid system featuring a new lithium-ion battery capable of storing 13.5 kWh of energy. Thanks to a water-cooled on-board charger with a capacity of 7.4 kW, it can be charged from 10 to 100 percent SoC (State of Charge) in approx. 1.5 hours at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox (see “Under the microscope: charging” section) if the full power is used. The same is possible in around five hours even at a conventional domestic power socket.
For regeneration of the particulate filter, the combustion engine must run for long enough and with a sufficiently high exhaust gas temperature, while a plug-in hybrid is at its most effective when operation of the combustion engine is minimised.
The driver has the final say, of course, and is able to select and influence the driving program and the operating mode. The ECO Assist helps by prompting the driver to come off the accelerator, use ‘gliding’ mode or activate recuperation.