Mercedes-Benz A250 plug-in hybrid coming to Australia

German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz has announced it will introduce its A250e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) hatch and sedan to the Australian market, also marking the first time rapid DC charging is available for a Mercedes-Benz PHEV passenger vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz announced last week the introduction of the A250e, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the next addition to the company’s EQ range of electrified vehicles, filed under the company’s ‘EQ Power’ label which covers full-electric and PHEV vehicles (while mild hybrids fall under the ‘EQ Boost’ label).

The new A250e will be available in both hatch and sedan and will go on sale with a Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price (MRLP) of $A63,400 and $66,00 respectively.

Boasting an all-electric range of 73 kilometres thanks to its 74kW electric motor and 15.6kWh on-board water-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery – which can also recoup additional energy during braking – the new A250e also carries an efficient 1.3-litre, four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE).

With the ability to switch seamlessly between EV and ICE modes, the A250e claims fuel economy in the order of 1.6-litres per 100-kilometres (ADR combined cycle) and tailpipe emissions measuring in at 34 grams/km CO2.

The incorporation of the A250e’s battery sees only a small reduction to overall boot space, with 350 litres for the hatch and 355 for the sedan. Space is also saved with a 35-litre fuel tank plus what Mercedes-Benz describes as “an innovative exhaust system with a rear muffler housed in the transmission tunnel and a centrally positioned exhaust outlet under the floor.”

And, for the first time, the A250e Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s combustion engine is started by the electric motor, excluding the need for a separate 12-volt starter.

The car is equipped with standard Type 2 charging plugs and capable of delivering charge via AC power at a rate of up to 3.7kW. Customers can also choose to install a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home for $A1,250 MRLP which can be installed by a qualified electrician to deliver up to 7.4kW, or up to 22kW on three-phase power for further future proofing.

Optionally, customers can also purchase the DC Charging Package retailing at $A1,490 which marks the first time that a Mercedes-Benz PHEV passenger vehicle has been made available with rapid DC charging.

The DC charging is delivered at 24kW via a Type 2 CCS plug and Mercedes-Benz says that it “may be possible to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 25 minutes” using its DC charging. Additionally, the DC Charging Package upgrades the AC charging system to 7.4kW.

The A250e is also the only A-Class variant apart from the AMG A 45 “hot hatch” to come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which the company believes results in “highly efficient motoring designed to maximise the all-electric range.” Accelerating to 100km/h in only 6.6 seconds for the hatch and 6.7 seconds for the sedan, the A250e comes with different drive programs including ‘Electric’ and ‘Battery Level’ which helps maximise electric performance.

For example, in Electric mode, the combustion engine only engages if the driver extends the accelerator beyond the ‘kickdown’ point and braking recuperation strength can be selected via paddles behind the steering wheel.

Other modes include Comfort, Eco, and Sport, allowing the driver to prioritise electric driving or on driving dynamics.

The A250e comes standard with comprehensive standard safety features, 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.

Pre-entry climate control can be controlled through the Mercedes me Connect app which also allows for remote vehicle status monitoring. 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.