Mercedes-Benz

C 350 e

July 11, 2016
108,259

Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is the second hybrid model in the new C-Class after the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, and the second Mercedes-Benz model to feature plug-in hybrid technology.

In either the sedan or estate variant, the C 350 e excels in fuel efficiency with a certified consumption of just 47.5 km/l in hybrid mode, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 58 g/km for the sedan and 54 g/km for the estate. Its electrical energy storage unit is a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 6.38 kWh. The battery is water-cooled, weighs around 100 kg and is mounted in a sheet steel housing underneath the rear axle in order to maximise safety, driving dynamics and boot space. This battery can be recharged in around 3 hours and one full charge provides an all-electric range of up to 33 kilometres.

The greatest potential for lowering the energy consumption of hybrid drive systems lies in maximising energy recovery on the overrun and during braking. This energy is then stored in the battery, making it available later for electric driving or as a power boost.

Exterior Design
The C 350 e looks emotionally striking with sensuous clarity and dynamic proportions of the new C-Class. Its classic radiator grille with three horizontal louvres has AIRPANEL radiator fins that open and close automatically to reduce air resistance and optimise cooling performance. The LED headlamps come equipped with LED Intelligent Light System.

Interior Design / Cabin
A large, one-piece centre console panel sweeps elegantly from the centre air outlets to the equally new touchpad in the handrest, which allows all functions of the MB Audio 20 CD multimedia system to be intuitively, controlled using simple finger movements.

Innovation / Technology
Five transmission modes enable the driver to define certain functions that influence the driving experience.

Individual (I)
Sport+ (S+)
Sport (S)
Comfort (C)
Economy (E)

In addition to transmission modes, the C 350 e offers four selectable operating modes.

HYBRID: All hybrid functions such as electric operating mode, boost and recuperation are available and are applied according to the driving situation and route in the most fuel-efficient manner. Whenever battery power falls below 20%, the combustion engine will be used. In transmission mode S, the car will be driven solely by the combustion engine.
E-MODE: This mode is used for all-electric driving (only the electric motor is active), for example in inner-city areas. It allows driving speeds of up to 130 km/h and provides an all-electric range of completely emission-free driving for up to 31 kilometres (depending on level of battery charge and driving speed). There is a switch-on point of the combustion engine while in this mode, and if the driver accelerates beyond this point, the engine immediately steps in to replace the electric motor for driving.
E-SAVE: The charge status of the high-voltage battery is maintained. Electric driving and the boost function are therefore only available to a limited extent. To ensure that urban areas are reached with a fully charged battery for E-MODE driving, the E-SAVE mode is recommended at the earlier stage of the journey.
CHARGE: This allows the high-voltage battery to be recharged while driving using the combustion engine, for example in order to ensure a higher state of battery charge for later parts of the journey. The combustion engine remains switched on and electric operation is not possible. During braking and coasting, energy is recovered and stored in the battery. When fully charged, the operation automatically switches to E-SAVE mode.

The C 350 e features an inline-four petrol engine with a displacement of 1,991 cc that produces maximum output of 211 hp at 5,500 rpm. In the sedan version, the engine produces 350 Nm of torque at 1,200 – 4,000 rpm. It achieves 0 – 100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. The estate produces 300 Nm of torque at 1,200 – 4,000 rpm. It achieves 0 – 100 km/h acceleration in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 246 km/h. Both versions feature 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.