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 vehicle 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 PHEVs. The claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range is 44 miles, which again is what we now expect from a PHEV.
Of course, there is a difference between a manufacturers (OEMs) claimed EV range, and the real world 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, services used onboard, passenger load, weather, etc.
In any case, the EV should be able to deliver an electric range close to 40 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 (EV) and improving the electric range.
For shorter motorway commutes, the PHEV can still deliver savings when driven on electric mode. For those individuals keen to combine lower tailpipe emissions (23g CO2/km), along with style and lower driving costs, the CLA PHEV is worth considering. 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 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 149 mph (electric mode: 87 mph) and 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds. The electric car also benefits from instant torque, which enhances the acceleration of the e-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 (395 L) due to the onboard EV battery.
The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
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The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 e Coupé PHEV (credit: Mercedes)
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