C 350 e Tops Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s C-Class Range
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia just launched the C 350 e plug-in hybrid at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition (IGEM) to replace the C 300 at the top of the C-Class range. The locally assembled C 350 e is available initially in Avantgarde Line at RM 289,888. Subsequently, the C 350 e will get an interior and wheel upgrade to AMG Line in line with an upgrade in price tag to RM 294,888 and ultimately to full AMG Line inside and out for RM 299,888. In full AMG Line, the electric sunroof will be upgraded to a panoramic one.
The C 350 e is differentiated from the non-hybrid C-Class by the subtle blue highlights in the intelligent LED headlights, the blue “Plug-In Hybrid” badges on the fenders, charging port lid in the rear bumper and most noticeably, the blue front brake calipers.
As a plug-in hybrid, the C 350 e relies on 2 powerplants for propulsion. The combined output of these is equivalent to 279 hp and 600 Nm of torque, which are figures of the sports car realm. The 0 – 100 km/h sprint is claimed at 5.9 seconds and speed tops out at 250 km/h. Handling the power is a 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission which incorporates the electric motor and an additional clutch between the combustion engine and electric motor. In all-electric mode, this clutch decouples the 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine from the drivetrain. This clutch also takes the role of a torque converter.
The advantage of a hybrid powertrain is the low fuel consumption of 2.1 l / 100 km and the 6.2 kWh battery gives the car the ability to drive 31 km in all-electric mode. The car can also reach a speed of 130 km/h in pure electric drive. The battery pack is located in the boot and results in a lower cargo volume of 335 liters, down from 480 liters.
The hybrid system of the C 350 e manages the battery’s charge and discharge cycles via anticipatory driving e.g. if your destination is entered into the navigation system, the car decides which mode to use to maximize energy efficiency. This can include charging up and saving the battery’s energy until you reach an urban or high traffic area so that full electric mode can be used. Energy is also recovered and stored during braking and coasting.
The braking is a 2-step process. When the brake pedal is depressed, it is the electric motor which initially slows the car down and acts as an alternator to charge the battery at this time. When the brake pedal is depressed with more pressure, the conventional braking takes over. Driving efficiency is also aided by the haptic accelerator pedal which provides feedback via the driver’s foot.
The range-topping C 350 e gets all the features like ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (which can undertake autonomous braking at up to 200 km/h), PRE-SAFE system, Park Assist with PARKTRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT, 5 driving modes, Comfort Direct-Steer system, KEYLESS-GO, run-flat tires, 19″ light alloy wheels, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, as well as AIRMATIC air suspension and Pre-Entry Climate Control cabin pre-conditioning. This pre-conditioning helps cool the cabin to a specific temperature via the key fob, at a pre-set time entered via the instrument panel or by using the control button, without having the need to start the engine.
The C 350 e comes with a charging cable; the wall-box charger is an option.
