Mercedes-Benz Australia has expanded the C-Class range with the arrival of the C300e plug-in hybrid sedan model and a limited-run C200 Sport Edition, along with an engine upgrade for the entry-level C200.
Priced from $79,200 plus on-road costs, the C300e PHEV is only offered as a sedan and combines a 2.0-litre 155kW/350Nm turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 90kW/400Nm electric motor for total outputs of 235kW and 700Nm.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a hybrid-specific version of the brand’s nine-speed automatic transmission, developed for use with EQ Power-enhanced vehicles.
When the 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fully charged, the C300e has a fully-electric driving range of up to 52 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds and fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
The battery can be replenished in seven hours using a conventional domestic socket, or two hours with the optional Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home.
Additional equipment on the PHEV includes the pre-climatised cabin function, extra features incorporated into the Comand infotainment system to maximise energy usage and recuperation, Air Body Control suspension, the Driver Assistance Package, leather upholstery and Keyless Go with hands-free bootlid opening.
All C200 models now get a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque, which is an extra 15kW and 20Nm when compared to the previous mild-hybrid powertrain.
The extra power sees 0.6s shaved off the 0-100km/h dash with it now taking 7.1 seconds. Fuel economy for the combined cycle is rated at 7.0L/100km (ADR 81/02).
Along with the power boost, all C-Class models now include Live Traffic Information as standard, adding an extra responsive element to the standard satellite navigation that can alert the driver in real-time to traffic congestion or hazards on a selected route and suggest quicker alternatives.
Mercedes-Benz has also announced the availability of the C200 Sport Edition which is offered across sedan, estate and coupe body styles for a limited time.
Starting from $69,990 drive-away, the C200 Sport Edition includes Distronic automated cruise control, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats with memory function, adaptive high-beam assist (sedan only, standard on coupe), rear privacy glass, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels and an AMG Line exterior package (standard on coupe).
The C300e and C200 Sport Edition are available to order now with deliveries set to commence later in the year. All other C-Class variants are available now.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class pricing (excludes on road costs):
Sedan
C200 - $64,500
C200 Sport Edition - $69,900 drive-away
C220d - $66,000
C300 - $72,700
C300e - $79,200
AMG C43 - $109,741
AMG C63 S - $162,542
Estate (Wagon)
C200 - $66,923
C200 Sport Edition - $74,623
C220d - $68,700
C300 - $75,142
AMG C43 - $112,242
AMG C63 S - $165,142
Coupe
C200 - $69,200
C200 Sport Edition - $74,900 drive-away
C300 - $86,800
AMG C43 - $113,841
AMG C63 S - $167,642
Cabriolet
C200 - $89,842
C300 - $103,742
AMG C43 - $127,041
AMG C63 S - $185,941
More: All News
