Mercedes-benz A250e
Plug-in hybrid performance and ef ciency add to the appeal of Mercedes’ classy family hatch On sale Now Price from £32,980
FIRST DRIVE
IF YOU IDENTIFY as something of a tech addict, you might be interested in the latest version of the Mercedes-benz A-class: the plug-in hybrid A250e. It combines a 157bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor that boosts overall power to a healthy 215bhp.
That means it’s swift, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.6sec. But, more importantly, it has an official electric-only range of up to 44 miles and promises fuel economy of up to 256.8mpg. Of course, you’ll have to plug it in after every trip and do mainly short trips to see that sort of economy, but the range figure is entirely believable; we managed more than 40 miles on battery power alone, and that included a good portion of charge-sapping motorway running.
To help you manage the amount of charge in the battery and the responsiveness of the engine, you get several driving modes in the A250e. As well as the usual Comfort and Sport, there are two new settings: Electric and Battery Level. The latter limits electrical assistance when the engine is running to prevent the electric range from being eroded, whereas the former gives you electric-only running.
In Electric mode, you get nippy, near-silent
RIVALS
we reckon the improved fuel economy and superior refinement provided by the A250e’s hybrid system far outweigh the handling compromise. Even the ride quality isn’t badly affected; the A250e occasionally shudders over larger abrasions such as manhole covers, but it’s never uncomfortable.
Inside, other than the hybrid-specific information displays that show your range, the level of regenerative braking and how much electric power you’re using, the A250e is almost identical to other A-class models. In short, it looks slick and benefits from the brand’s impressive infotainment system, but doesn’t feel as robust as the interior of a BMW 1 Series.
Thanks to its battery being positioned under the rear seat and the use of a smaller 36-litre fuel tank, passenger space remains unchanged. The electrical equipment that lurks beneath raises the boot floor, though, so load space drops from 370 litres to 310: roughly the same capacity as you get in a Peugeot 208. You also lose the usual underfloor storage compartments.
Overall, though, the A250e is a strong proposition. Plenty of buyers will be able to commute on electric power alone, and its low 6% BIK rate could save company car users a lot of money in tax. If you’re after a quick yet frugal premium hatchback, the A250e should be near the top of your shortlist.