Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid offensive: 20 models available in 2020

Mercedes has launched a total offensive in the Plug-In Hybrid segment with third generation models. No less than 10 models are already available on the market. Here are the latest Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid models.

Plug-In Hybrid propulsion is the best compromise if the electrical range is reasonable. Until now, on most Plug-In Hybrid models, the electric range did not exceed 50 km according to official figures and 40 km in reality.

Mercedes-Benz now comes with the third generation of Plug-In Hybrid models that not only promise an electric range of at least 60 km that reaches more than 100 km for some models. Mercedes-Benz is also the first carmaker to offer charging at DC stations for a Plug-In Hybrid model.

No less than 10 Plug-In Hybrid models are already available and their number will increase to 20 this year. Mercedes-Benz has set its goal that by 2030 more than 50% of sales in Europe will be represented of electrified models. Here are some details about the two model families and the latest news.

Models with transverse motor

The main novelties are the new A 250 e hatch and sedan and B 250 e which are the first compact Plug-In Hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz. They were joined also by the GLA 250 e which was announced at the second generation Mercedes-Benz GLA launch.

The 1.33-liter  engine from A 200/ B 200 with 160 hp is combined with a 75 kW (102 hp) electric motor located between the heat engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission with double clutch, the assembly delivering a total of 218 hp and 450 Nm.

Basically, the two clutches are integrated in the rotor of the electric engine being concentric with it. In this way, the powertrain has a very compact construction, which is very important when we talk about a transverse location of the engine.

Customers will not notice this, but will find that the shape of the trunk is practical, almost identical to the conventional version.

This was possible due to some innovations. The muffler has been moved to the transmission tunnel, the exhaust ends in a central area under the car floor, and the tank has been moved from under the seat to the rear axle area.

In this way, it was possible to place the 15.6 kWh Li-Ion battery, cooled with water, which weighs 150 kg, under the bench, and the volume of the trunk was kept almost intact.

The battery is charged from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes from a DC station. Who has a wallbox at home can charge 7.4 kWh in 1 hour and 45 minutes from 10 to 100%.

In addition to the Comfort, Eco and Sport programs, plus Off-road, from conventional models, all Plug-In Hybrid models additionally have Electric and Battery Level modes in the MBUX multimedia system.

On Battery Level the battery energy is conserved for later use, while on Electric, the heat engine does not start unless the kickdown is pressed and the driver can activate various degrees of energy recovery during braking (D Auto, D +, D, D- and D- -) by operating the paddles behind the steering wheel.

Some of the compact Plug-In Hybrid models also have an accelerator pedal with haptic feedback introduced on the Mercedes S 500 e in 2014. A pressure point in the pedal delimits the moment when the heat engine starts, so you can drive electrically without be too concerned not to accidentally start the heat engine.

For the first time on a Mercedes-Benz model, the heat engine is started by the electric motor and there is no 12V starter.

Main data:
– electric range up to 77 km (NEDC)
– 102 hp electric motor
– maximum overall power 218 hp
– maximum overall torque 450 Nm
– maximum speed in Electric mode 140 km / h (235 km/h maximum speed hybrid system)

Models with motor placed longitudinally

Mercedes has already had Plug-In Hybrid models in the catalog since 2014 in the versions with longitudinally placed engines.
The first was  S 500 e which has launched a series of innovations available later over the entire range.

Currently, the Plug-In Hybrid range for longitudinally placed engines includes petrol and diesel versions: C 300 de T-Model, E 300 de, S 560 e and two absolute novelties GLC 300 e 4Matic and GLE 350 de 4Matic.

All Plug-In Hybrid models with the engine placed longitudinally are combined with the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, to which was added an additional clutch between the electric and the thermal motor to disengage the thermal engine.

Thus, the 9G-Tronic Hybrid transmission is only 108 mm longer than the classic 9G-Tronic.

Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic is a special model for several reasons: it is a diesel Hybrid Plug-In, it has a large battery for a Hybrid Plug-In, of 31.2 kWh, and an electrical range of over 100 km (106 Km NEDC, 90-99 km WLTP).

As with the compact models, customers will have at their disposal a trunk almost as large as in the case of the conventional version which reaches up to 1,915 liters by folding the seat (2,055 liters in the conventional versions).

The secret  is the modified rear axle which allow integration of the battery above the rear axle. Thus, the floor is slightly raised compared to the conventional model, but the practical shape of the trunk is preserved without any intrusions.

The  GLE 350 de 4Matic combines the quiet 2-liter OM654 diesel with 194 hp and 400 Nm with a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, delivering a total of 320 hp and 700 Nm. The electric range is 106 km (NEDC) or 90-99 km (WLTP), with a maximum speed in Electric mode of 160 km/h. The 31.2 kWh battery is charged at a DC station from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Another novelty is the Mercedes GLC 300 e 4Matic in which the 2-liter petrol engine with 211 hp is combined with a 90 kW (122 hp) electric motor available in both the C 300 de T-Model and the E 300 de,  delivering 320 hp and 700 Nm.

By placing the battery above the rear axle as in the GLE 350 de 4Matic, the trunk floor is higher. The shape of the trunk remains regular, but in this case it loses a little more than the GLE. The trunk volume measures between 395 and 1,445 liters compared to 550-1,600 liters in conventional versions.

Main data:
– electric range up to 106 km (NEDC)
– 136 hp electric motor
– maximum overall power 320 hp
– maximum overall torque 700 Nm
– maximum speed in Electric mode 160 km/h (210 km / h maximum speed hybrid system)

[Mb_verdict] Verdict | Mercedes has successfully implemented Plug-In Hybrid propulsion in all segments, from the compact to the luxury class. The new Plug-In Hybrid propulsion systems are more compact, the larger batteries ensure decent electrical range and the intelligent placement of the batteries has been achieved, keeping the regular shape of the luggage. [/ Mb_verdict]