Mercedes-Benz has added EQ Power to its compact vehicle range with the introduction of the A 250 e-hatch and sedan, featuring plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology providing up to 73km electric range.
The A 250 E hatch is priced from A$63,400 (manufacturer’s recommended list price) and the sedan from $66,000 (MRLP).
The release of the newest A-Class variant marks the first time rapid DC charging is available for a Mercedes-Benz PHEV passenger vehicle.
The A 250 E has a 75kW/300Nm electric motor and a 15.6kWh capacity battery, which can also recoup additional energy during braking.
A highly efficient 1.3-litre, four-cylinder combustion engine (118kW/250Nm) comes into its own to complete longer road trips.
Combined, the output of the hybrid powertrain is 160kW and 450Nm, with fuel economy around 1.6l per 100km and tailpipe emissions measured at 34grams/km CO2.
The water-cooled lithium-ion, high voltage battery weighs 150kgs and requires only a small reduction to overall boot space – 310 litres (hatch) or 355 litres (sedan).
This is assisted by the installation of a 35-litre fuel tank, plus an innovative exhaust system.
For the first time on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the combustion engine is started by the electric motor – the A 250 E does not have a separate 12-volt starter.
They are equipped with a standard Type 2 plug and are capable of delivering charge via AC power at a rate of up to 3.7kW. Customers can choose a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home (A$1250) to maximise charging which can be installed on regular single-phase power (by a qualified electrician) to deliver up to 7.4kW, or up to 22kW on three-phase power.
Optionally, customers can purchase a DC Charging Package (A$1490 MRLP), the first time this feature has been made available on a Mercedes-Benz PHEV passenger vehicle.
This introduces fast DC charging at 24kW via a Type 2 CCS plug. Using DC charging, it may be possible to charge from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes. In addition, the Charging Package upgrades the AC charging system to 7.4kW.
It’s the second model in the A-Class range to receive an eight-speed transmission (in addition to the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, with an AMG Speedshift DCT 8-Speed).
Acceleration to 100km/h from rest takes 6.6 seconds for the A 250 e hatch, and 6.7 seconds for the sedan.
Drive programs ‘Electric’ and ‘Battery Level’ are available. When selected, the combustion engine is only engaged if the driver extends the accelerator beyond the ‘kickdown’ point. In the Electric program the braking recuperation strength can be selected via paddles behind the steering wheel.
Comfort, ECO and Sport modes are also available.
Both variants feature 18-inch Aero alloy wheels, the intuitive MBUX infotainment system with voice control and a fully digital widescreen cockpit, NTG6 navigation, Artico upholstery, smartphone integration including wireless charging and LED headlights.
Standard safety equipment includes blind spot assist, active lane keep assist, traffic sign assist, nine airbags, Pre-Safe accident anticipation system, and adaptive high beam assist.
The MRLP includes GST and any Luxury Car Tax applicable to the base/standard specification model but excludes dealer delivery and all on-road costs such as registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.
For drive away price information, consumers should contact dealers.
