Plug-in A-Class hatch
● 1.3-litre turbo plus 101bhp electric motor offered on A-Class and B-Class
THIS is our first look at the new plug-in hybrid Mercedes A-Class: the A 250 e. The powertrain comprises a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 15.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and a 101bhp electric motor. This is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the total system output stands at 215bhp and 450Nm of torque.
As a result, the A 250 e has a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds, a top speed of 146mph, and a claimed pure-electric range of between 37 and 42 miles. Its official economy figure is 188.3mpg, and it’ll emit between 33 and 34g/km of CO2.
The A 250 e saloon has a slightly slower 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds, but a higher top speed of 149mph. Its allelectric range is the same. Mercedes will also offer the plug-in system in the B 250 e MPV, which takes a minor hit on performance and electric-only range.
Mercedes says all three models can be charged from 10 to 100 per cent in one hour and 45 minutes with a 7.4kW AC wallbox.
A choice of Comfort, Eco and Sport drive modes are offered, and a selectable fourstage energy recuperation system is available. There’s a slight reduction in cabin and luggage space compared with the regular versions of the cars, but Mercedes claims the compromise is less severe than is common with other plug-in hybrids.
The A 250 e hatchback starts from £32,500 and the saloon is slightly more, at £33,100, while the B 250 e starts at £33,700. Order books open in October, with first deliveries due in early 2020.