Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach.
However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
The Mercedes-Benz CLA premium subcompact car has been manufactured since 2013. The CLA 250e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was introduced in 2020. It is available as both a Coupé and Shooting Brake body style. If style is more important than space, then the CLA PHEV will not disappoint, given its sportier coupé exterior styling.
The plug-in hybrid electric car is available in two variants, with the entry level being the CLA 250 e AMG Line Premium. The PHEV has a 15.6 kWh onboard EV battery, which is an average EV battery size for the latest PHEVs. The claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range is 42 miles, which again is what we now expect from a PHEV.
Of course, there is a difference between a manufacturers (OEMs) claimed range and the real-world EV range. In general, expect to have a shorter available EV range in the real-world, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving style, traffic and road conditions, weather, passenger load, services used onboard, etc.
In any case, the EV should be able to deliver an electric range close to 37 miles, which is more than sufficient for urban driving. The EV also incorporates different regenerative braking profiles, which assists in improving the efficiency of the electric vehicle and improving the electric range. The EV does not offer DC fast charging compatibility. It has an onboard 7.4 kW AC charger.
For shorter motorway commutes, the PHEV can still deliver savings when driven on electric mode. Driving on e-mode also benefits the fuel efficiency of the EV. Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 256.9 mpg. Like real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be lower than manufacturer claimed figures.
Nevertheless, if the EV is driven regularly on the pure electric mode, the fuel economy will be better than the conventional combustion engine variant. If the EV is driven primarily on the combustion engine, the fuel economy will be as low as 40 mpg.
So for those individuals keen to combine lower tailpipe emissions (24g CO2/km), along with style and lower driving costs, the CLA PHEV is appropriate. It is also appropriate for company car drivers, given the savings from lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK: 8%) rates compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.
The estate EV is available only as a front-wheel drive (FWD) and the overall the performance is good. The EV combines an electric motor (75 kW) with a conventional 1.3-litre petrol engine (4-cylinder). Top speed is 146 mph (electric mode: 87 mph) and 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds. The electric car also benefits from instant torque, which enhances the acceleration of the vehicle. The EV delivers 218 bhp and 450 Nm.
The Mercedes PHEV has a high quality interior finish and is technology-filled. The EV incorporates the the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system that used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict the drivers behaviour and needs.
The EV also includes a 7.0in digital instrument cluster, a 10.25in infotainment screen with DAB radio and sat nav, heated front seats, KEYLESS-GO starting function, touchpad on centre console, Mercedes me Remote Services, ambient lighting (64 colours), smartphone integration including (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto) and wireless charging. The electric car also incorporates: active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, cruise control with limiter, speed limit assist and attention assist.
Due to the sloping roofline, the rear-view is impacted. Also impacted is the boot space (445 L) due to the onboard EV battery. The EV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
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The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 e Shooting Brake PHEV Estate (credit: Mercedes)
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