Mercedes has added plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) versions of the A-Class and B-Class to its portfolio. Badged A 250 e and B 250 e (the former available as a hatch or a Saloon), they team the 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (developing 160hp/250Nm) to a 75kW (101hp)/300Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 15.6kWh lithium-ion battery to deliver peak system outputs of 218hp and 450Nm. That makes them quick, with 0-62mph in anything between 6.6 and 6.8 seconds and top speeds set at 146-149mph, but also frugal - they can return up to 201.8mpg, WLTP claimed, with CO2 as low as 32g/km. They will also go anything between 35 and 43 miles on electric power alone, where their top speed is pegged at 87mph. Battery charging times take between 1h 45m on a 7.4kW AC Wallbox and as little as 25 minutes on a fast DC connection, while a clever underbody central exhaust exit means that packaging at the back is cleverly adjusted to preserve almost all of the boot space of the same models with internal combustion engines only.
Matt Robinson - 20 Aug 2019