The hybrid offensive Mercedes be completed by 2017 with a total of 10 versions, ie its range of models have a plug-in hybrid variant. Paints well. The second to arrive was the hybrid C-Class, which also debuts the name "and" on the mark.

Mercedes has been slow to enter the hybrid world, to the point that It skipped the step of providing conventional hybrids to directly announce a plug-in hybrid range or plug. First he showed us the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid, and now does the same with the C-Class and its new version C 350e, completely finished and ready to be marketed in our country from May. C 350e with the new nomenclature of hybrids of the house, leaving the Plug-in Hybrid name to add opens the "and" that distinguish these versions.

The 350E is available with two body usual, the sedan four-door family called Estate. Outwardly, its finish or trim level no change with respect to C class we already know. The differences are established in addition to the "and" in its name, a new outlet located on the right side of the rear bumper, which is hardly noticed. The boot is reduced in 40 liters in the case of the Estate, as the batteries go under it and the rear seats. hybridization made by combining a gasoline engine four-cylinder 211 horses with another electric 60 kW, with which it has a joint power 279 horses and combined average consumption, approved of 2.1 l / 100 km / h. Announces stockings pollutant emissions, also combination of 48 g / km CO2.

These consumption data are spectacular, especially if we consider that is a car with a step from 0 to 100 km / h of 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km / h, but everything in life has an explanation. These consumption data, and other plug-in hybrid market is reached with the use of 31 km electrical autonomy Plug-in, whereby 2.1 l / 100 km is achieved in the first 100 km, then move to consume what you spend the hybrid system according to the use made at all times. Still, even with the electric charge exhausted, final consumption smaller than the Class C 250, which also outperforms.

It uses the same motor gasoline C250 211 horses already know, to which has been added between him and the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox Plus an additional clutch and electric motor of 60 kW after him. Has a lithium ion battery, It is harboring the hybrid system load and the plug component. Takes her completely discharged 3.1 hours to charge a common network plug. C 350E adds the ability to recharge the extra autonomy to the engine itself, so that He admits that the driver manage how, when and how much electricity use, depending on the type of road-traffic.

and has four modes overall driving and four hybrid system. The first are called Single, Sport +, Comfort and Economy, acting on the interaction of both engines, the load throttle, steering and, if it has the air suspension, the hardness and shape of damping work to make the car more or less dynamic, more or less saver.

In addition to this added presets hybrid system called Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. Mode Hybrid the car automatically manages all systems. The electric motor starts and tries to combine the two engines the best possible way depending on driving style, speed or terrain can even apply driving sailing on flat or on a downhill instead of reloading with the kinetic energy if it thinks fit. With the E-Mode It forces the use of the electrical part, so that this ecological and silent autonomy time when the driver wishes spent.

The mode E-Save nullifies the Plug-in electric range, to storage. The hybrid car is still here and will move with the electric motor at the time when the hybrid system request (at boot llaneando on downs or low load throttle). With the Charge the driver can 100 100 recharge the electric range without plugging the car into the stream. In this way fuel consumption is increased but let us go charging the battery, even at idle, so that we can access areas where spending is higher or, as in London, for example, only access you have to fully electric vehicles.

Increases its weight to 250 gasoline 185 kilos because the hybrid system and battery, which is not much increase as usual in this type of car. During the kilometers I did with him I did not appreciate behavioral difference with a conventional Class C. This unit had the air suspension, and that helps to stabilize the body rather than a version of metal spring, but the fact is that good behavior that boasts C is maintained in this hybrid version. I liked the smoothness with which makes engine transitions and overall refinement. In the background is the same system that equips the Class S, but with a four-cylinder engine instead of V6. I tested all modes of driving and after shooting city and surroundings totally electric, about 20 km, left the car with 30 percent of electric range available.

The summary is positive. Mercedes has taken but comes with a good car, refined, elegant and low power consumption without forgetting sportiness and comfort. Its price is not yet defined, although we have confirmed that will increase about 10,000 euros with respect to a C 250. It goes on sale from May.