Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEV returns to line-up

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia now offer buyers a choice of two rear wheel drive C-Class hybrid sedans in the existing C300 mild hybrid and after a four-year hiatus, the re-introduced, significantly improved C350e plug in hybrid (PHEV) that list at nearly the same price.

The former is from $98,100 and the “newcomer” that missed out on the benefit of a Luxury Car Tax break by only a few weeks is from $98,200 both excluding on-road costs. Mercedes-Benz Australia says the 350e, with the latest hybrid technology is the first in a range of new ‘Benz PHEVs planned for Australia.

Sharing a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as a base – with different outputs, the C350e PHEV is a more purposeful beast than its 48-volt C300 MHEV sibling providing additional power, performance, better fuel economy and a potential fully electric range of up to 100km (NEDC) thanks to its “large” 25.4kWh Li battery.

The 350e’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivers up to 150kW and 320Nm with an integrated electric motor delivers up to a further 95kW and 440Nm for a combined total of 230kW and 550Nm driving the rear axle through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz says the 25.4kWh battery pack offers an all-electric NEDC-tested range of 104km, sufficient for most city commutes to be completed on electric-only power.

“When the battery is depleted or additional power is required, the petrol engine kicks in, ensuring that the C350e never feels underpowered, while kinetic energy of over 100kW is recovered through recuperation when decelerating or driving downhill,” says Mercedes-Benz.

The hybrid technology seamlessly integrates the two power sources to deliver an efficient drive exemplified in the model’s acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.

Based on the C300 in terms of equipment, the C350e features sporty AMG-Line styling but gains additional high level standard equipment.

Cleverly, the C350e uses a route-based operating strategy to optimise energy consumption by activating the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route, such as in urban areas.

“When a destination is programmed into the navigation system, the car’s intelligent system considers navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions to manage the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery to ensure efficient energy use throughout the journey,” added Mercedes-Benz.

“A driver wishing to influence the energy recovery rate can do so directly in three stages controlled by rocker switches behind the steering wheel. This is possible in all driving modes except Sport.”

But in regular ‘D’ (Drive) mode the feeling of one pedal driving can be accessed.

On the outside, the handsome C350e sedan sports sleek and sophisticated lines with an aerodynamic profile, sculpted hood, LED headlights and a diamond-block grille that “projects refinement”.

The rear-end is characterised by signature LED taillights, providing a distinctively Mercedes-Benz appearance.

The cabin is in high-quality materials featuring “meticulous craftsmanship” and an ergonomic layout that prioritises comfort and ease of use. The dashboard houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a matching infotainment display with the latest MBUX functionality, an intuitive interface that allows drivers to interact with the car using voice commands, gestures, or the touchpad.

The model provides plenty of legroom for passengers and a generous boot that benefits from the battery's positioning under the rear bench.

In addition to features found on the C300, the C350e is further equipped with augmented reality for navigation, Digital Light Package including Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, Burmester 3D surround sound system, Driving Assistance Package Plus and Comfort Suspension with self-levelling suspension at the rear.

Two cables are included as standard – a charging cable for wall box and public charging stations, and a cable for home charging from a domestic socket.

Charging choices include AC charging up to 11 kW for a 0-100 per cent charge in approximately two hours. DC charging, at extra cost, allows the C 350e to be charged at a rate of up to 55kW in addition to AC charging, with a 0-80 per cent charge achieved in approximately 20 minutes.

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.