By Staff Reporter

Mercedes-Benz views plug-in hybrids as a step towards electrification and as such, is moving ahead with the development of its plug-in hybrids under the EQ Power label. The latest offerings are the A- and B-Class plug-in hybrids.

Plug-in power

In the plug in A250e and B250e models, the 1.33-litre four-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor that produces 75 kW which adds up to a system total output of 160 kW and 450 Nm. Mercedes-Benz says the EQ Power of the electric motor allows the A250e and B250e to react immediately when a driver steps on the accelerator. Performance figures appear impressive with the A250e hatch, for example, being able to accomplish the 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.6 seconds. Top speed is 235 km/h (top speed, electric power: 140km/h). The A250e and B250e models have claimed electric operating ranges of 70-75 km.

A lithium-ion high-voltage battery with a total capacity of approx. 15.6 kWh is used as an electric energy storage unit. It can be charged at an external electric energy source. The A250e and B250 e can be charged with alternating or direct current. A corresponding vehicle socket is located in the right-hand side wall of the vehicles. This means that the compact plug-in hybrids can be charged at a 7.4 kW Wallbox with alternating current (AC) within 1 h 45 min from 10-100 percent SoC (Status of Charge). For direct-current charging (DC) the battery can be charged from 10 – 80 percent SoC in around 25 minutes.

Saving space

Mercedes-Benz says an innovative exhaust system enables ingenious packaging: rather than extending to the end of the vehicle, the exhaust ends in a centrally positioned outlet under the vehicle floor, with the rear silencer housed in the transmission tunnel. Integrating the fuel tank into the axle installation space creates room beneath the rear seats for the high-voltage battery. This results in only minimal reduction in boot capacity for the A250e and B250e compared to the sister models without hybrid engines.

MBUX with new drive mode

With the launch of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience – “Hey Mercedes”), Mercedes-Benz says the previous plug-in operating modes of all EQ Power models have been converted to drive programmes. That means that in every Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid the new drive programs “Electric” and “Battery Level” are available. This is the case from the outset for the compact models. Maximum e-performance can be experienced in “Electric”. The combustion enginef is only engaged if the driver uses kickdown on the accelerator pedal. In the “Electric” program the recuperation strength can also be selected via paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddles on the steering wheel enable the selection of five different recuperation levels (DAUTO, D+, D, D- and D–).

Local availability of A250e and B250e is yet to be announced.