There is no denying that Green cars is the need of hour, and that is the reason why all carmakers across the world are working on green technology to power their future vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, the German auto major, recently announced to launch 10 plug-in hybrid cars by 2017. The new Mercedes-Benz C 350 Plug-in Hybrid, showcased at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is one of the Mercedes’ eco-friendly cars that is available in saloon and Estate formats.
The C350e Plug-in hybrid combines efficiency, dynamism and comfort all together. Powered with an electric motor and a turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, it delivers an integrated power of 279bhp with 600Nm of torque. Both the saloon and Estate versions deliver performance of a sports car. The C350e is one of the most fuel efficient green cars that consumes just 2.1-litre of fuel per 100kms, and offers a range up to 31kms in all-electric mode.
The C350e is one of the first plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz cars equipped with an efficient 4-cylinder petrol engine. The powertrain is boosted with the direct injection system with spray-guided combustion using an electronically controlled multiple injection and a multi-spark ignition that delivers exceptional performance with high fuel efficiency and lower carbon emission. In all-electric mode, the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission detaches the gasoline engine from the drive train. The C350e accelerates 0-100kmph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 250kmph.
Both the saloon and estate versions are incorporated with an Airmatic suspension, regenerative braking system, pre-entry climate control system (controlled via internet) and a suite of driver-assist technologies. The vehicle can be driven in four modes – Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge – and five transmission modes. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, with total capacity of 6.2 kilowatt-hours, takes 1 hour 45 seconds to get fully charged from an external power source.
The C350e features the Avantgarde exterior styling elements including centrally positioned star and sports radiator grille. Both the saloon and estate models are offered with an optional Exclusive exterior equipment line that includes three-pointed star on the hood and a classic radiator grill. The C350e Plug-in hybrid is one of the most eco-friendly and fun-to-drive Mercedes Benz cars, which is now available in European markets.
