MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia (MBM) begins the year with the introduction of a returning hybrid powertrain to replace one of its more popular models.
The 2024 C350e Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) effectively replaces the mild hybrid (MHEV) C300 AMG Line 2.0L, which itself had replaced the 2019 C350e PHEV.
Chief executive officer and president Amanda Zhang said the new model embodied a fusion of agility and performance, accentuated by its sporty AMG appearance.
It also serves as a bridge towards the company's all-electric future and will pave the way for other plug-in hybrid models to come.
"As a plug-in hybrid variant with up to 117km (WLTP) in all-electric range, it offers our customers the flexibility of covering everyday routes for the most part in all-electric mode without using the combustion engine.
"Backed by a six-year or 100,000km high-voltage battery warranty, we deliver cutting-edge innovation and lasting assurance to our esteemed customers," she added.
Locally assembled at the Pekan, Pahang plant, the sedan houses a four-cylinder 1,999cc petrol engine that has a rated output of 204hp at 6,100rpm with a maximum torque of 320Nm. Its paired electric motor has an output of 95kW and a torque of 440Nm.
Combined, the car delivers a max power system output of 313hp and a peak torque of 550Nm, with a pure electric range of up to 117km (WLTP).
It can sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 245kph.
Its in-house developed high-voltage (HV) battery has an energy content of 25.4kWh. It is part of the fourth-generation family of batteries and consists of 96 cells in a so-called pouch configuration.
It has an internal cooling system to account for the high energy density. The thermal management system controls the operating temperature irrespective of the climate control in the vehicle interior.
A standard-fit 11 kW charger is available for three-phase charging at a Wallbox connected to the domestic AC mains. Included with the C 350e is a mode 2 charging cable.
The energy recovery function, through kinetic energy recuperation during deceleration or downhill driving, has been improved in interaction with the hydraulic brake - energy recovery output is now over 100 kW. One-pedal operation is a selectable option.
It has a haptic accelerator pedal module with a pressure point at an accelerator pedal angle of 9.7 degrees. In Electric mode, this power surge is activated and allows all-electric vehicle operation up to the additional pressure point. If the pressure point is overridden, the combustion engine starts and delivers additional torque.
Design-wise, the sedan adopts the brand's AMG Line styling which comes in the form of the iconic Mercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome with 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Other key exterior features include digital light, adaptive highbeam assist plus, panoramic sliding sunroof, and ambient lighting with projection of brand logo.
Its cabin is thematically similiar with metal structure trim elements, multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and AMG floor mats. Artico man-made leather is used for its upholstery which is in black, and the nappa of the instrument panel and beltlines.
The infortainment system, which runs on the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, returns in the form of a high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen and 11.9-inch touchscreen central display that are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees.
The safety features include a 360-degree camera, blind spot assist, active brake assist, and guard 360-degree vehicle protection.
The C350e comes with an additional six times service packages and up to RM3,800 Star Protect (motor insurance) support when customers sign up with the company's Agility+ Plan.
No official price has been given at press time though the sedan is estimated to be priced around RM355,000 on-the-road without insurance.
This means a rough RM20,000 increase from the C300 AMG Line 2.0L model that it replaces.
The C300 AMG Line 2.0L was previously the sportier variant of the two C-Class announced in 2022, with the other being the C200 Avantgarde Line 1.5L which is still in the market alongside the new C350e.
It is also known as the "mini S-Class" for featuring a high-resolution 12.3-inch free-standing driver display and a large LCD 11.9-inch central display supported by the MBUX 2.0 multimedia system that is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
One of its best features, which won praises from Cars Bikes and Trucks, was the 2.0-litre mild hybrid, four-cylinder modular engine with an integrated starter-generator it housed.
It is mated to a 9G-Tronic transmission which, along with a newly enhanced twin-scroll technology, delivers an output of 258hp at 5.800rpm and a rated torque of 400Nm at 3,200rpm.
The combination made the car one of the best premium sedan models in the modern market.
