Mercedes-Benz C-Class 350e Plug-in Hybrid Drive Review
In Malaysia, we have a lot of small to medium business owners who can afford the high asking price of the S-Class as their business ride. For the others who simply cannot afford the S-Class, they move one rung down and get the impressive and very popular E-Class. Then there is the C-Class which seems to be a favorite with SME owners. Now here is the latest C350e and it comes equipped with ‘AMG Line’ exterior with ‘Night Package’.
This W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrived in February 2022 and was an immediate sales hit in Malaysia. Now comes the anticipated C350e variant at RM338,888.
In case you didn’t know this, the ‘Night Package’ has sporty, expressive design elements in high-gloss black such as the louvre of the radiator shell, trim moulding in the AMG front apron, beltline trim strip and window surround and exterior mirror housings.
For added heft, the wide track 18-inch AMG wheels give the vehicle a muscular look. Yes! The AMG Line styling has the iconic Mercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome with 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels
The ‘smart’ headlamps characterize the front aspect of the car. The dynamic appearance of the car is continued at the rear with high mounted pointed rear-lamps. They make the new C-Class unmistakable in the day and also night.
Step Inside
Step inside this premium sports sedan and the signature Mercedes electric seat adjustment on the door panel gets you a comfy seating position as it is easy use (or you can use the center screen feature that adjusts the seat automatically for you when you plot in your height). As shown below!
The driver gets a high-resolution LCD screen. It is free-standing, and appears to float in front of the driver.The high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen and 11.9-inch touchscreen central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees. The vehicle is also equipped with the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system making the interior more digital and intelligent.
The user friendly steering controls, with its predictive touch feature allows for easy use. Left hand buttons for the main center screen and right hand buttons for the driver’s cockpit functions.
Other cabin highlights include electric sport seats, fingerprint scanner, wireless smartphone charging, multiple choice ambient lighting and smartphone integration package. With safety in mind, the new C-Class features 360°camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist and GUARD 360 ° Vehicle protection.
Behind The Wheel
Incidentally, the addition of an electric motor to the four-cylinder engine allows this 2024 C350e to deliver more power yet sip less fuel. Well, when fully charged, this C350e offers an estimated 117km pure electric driving range, courtesy of its hybrid electric motor. In heavy traffic the suspension provides a ‘gliding’ experience and when on the open highway, the well padded cabin provides a great space for listening to your favorite tunes as the cabin insulation is great.
A 1,999cc petrol sipping engine powers this innovative vehicle, delivering a rated output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm and a high torque of 320Nm spanning from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. This four-cylinder petrol engine ensures a dynamic driving experience.
Working side by side with the petrol sipping engine is an electric motor with a rated output of 95kW and a torque of 440Nm. This integration results in an impressive maximum rated power system output of 313hp and a peak torque of 550Nm which delivers to the driver compelling performance.
All the above means that this C-Class’s level of responsiveness and agility outshines some bigger engine cars. It is so nimble that it actually feels like smaller car. Compared with the outgoing C-Class’s ride which felt a little soft, here this latest C-Class feels more composed, giving a sporty feel from the steering wheel inputs.
You can use the ‘dynamic’ switch on the bottom of the center screen to decide which driving mode you prefer. From all ‘electric’ to ‘sports’ mode.
On the fast flowing corners (like a highway exit ramp), it still delivers all the cornering power some drivers want. There is nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution from front to back and a nicely engineered suspension system that not only was fun on the open highway and away from the speed cameras but also felt comfy on curvy JKR maintained state roads.
This C-Class 350e has taken a step up in its luxury and technology game by adopting most of the features developed and included in the all-new S-Class. This includes everything from the infotainment system to the efficient hybrid technology.
If you are already ready to buy yourself a C-Class in Malaysia, please share this review with a friend who is still undecided.
Mercedes-Benz C 350e Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder Turbocharged
Capacity: 1,999cc
Transmission: 9G-Tronic
Max Power: 230hp+95kW (electric motor)
Max Torque: 320Nm at 2,000-4,000rpm+440 (electric motor)
0-100km/h: 6.1seconds
Top speed: 245km/h
Price: RM338,888.00
