The Mercedes-Benz C 350e, a plug-in hybrid variant of the W205 C-Class, was produced from March 2015 to April 2018. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the W205 lineup, it aimed to combine the luxury and performance expected of the C-Class with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The C 350e represented Mercedes-Benz’s early foray into mainstream plug-in hybrid technology, offering a blend of gasoline power and electric drive. It was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions with developing EV infrastructure, offering a stepping stone for consumers considering fully electric vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-class |
| Generation | C-class (W205) |
| Type (Engine) | C 350e (279 Hp) PLUG-IN HYBRID 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | March, 2015 |
| End of production | April, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 2.1-2.4 l/100 km (112 – 98 US mpg, 134.5 – 117.7 UK mpg, 47.6 – 41.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 48-54 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.1 kg/Hp, 163.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 351.9 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 6.38 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Inside the trunk |
| All-electric range (NEDC) | 31 km (19.26 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC) | 11 kWh/100 km (17.7 kWh/100 mi, 190 MPGe, 9.1 km/kWh, 5.6 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 82 Hp @ 2000 rpm |
| Electric motor Torque | 340 Nm @ 0-1500 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 0-1500 rpm) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 279 Hp |
| System torque | 600 Nm (442.54 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 211 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1200-4000 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1200-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 274.920 |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1705 kg (3758.88 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2305 kg (5081.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 335 l (11.83 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4686 mm (184.49 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2020 mm (79.53 in.) |
| Height | 1442 mm (56.77 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2840 mm (111.81 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 790 mm (31.1 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1056 mm (41.57 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.22 m (36.81 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 225/50 R17; 225/45 R18; 225/40 R19Rear wheel tires: 245/45 R17; 245/40 R18; 245/35 R19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The C 350e utilizes a powertrain combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine (Mercedes-Benz M 274.920) with an 82 hp electric motor. The internal combustion engine produces 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes 82 hp and 340 Nm. Combined, the system delivers a total output of 279 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The engine features direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, optimizing both power and efficiency. The electric motor is integrated between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. The 6.38 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the trunk floor, reducing cargo capacity. The transmission itself is a conventional torque-converter automatic, adapted to work seamlessly with the electric motor, offering smooth shifts and efficient power delivery.
Driving Characteristics
The C 350e offers a unique driving experience compared to its gasoline-only counterparts. In electric-only mode, it provides near-silent operation and instant torque, suitable for short commutes and urban driving. The all-electric range of 31 km (19.26 miles) allows for emission-free driving in many scenarios. When the battery is depleted or more power is needed, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in, providing a combined output that delivers brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.8 seconds. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is well-tuned for both efficiency and responsiveness. Compared to the C 300, the C 350e feels more effortless in everyday driving due to the electric motor’s torque fill. However, the added weight of the battery pack (approximately 100 kg / 220 lbs) does slightly impact handling agility compared to lighter C-Class models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C 350e typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a premium offering. Standard features included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a high-resolution infotainment system with navigation, and a suite of safety technologies such as collision prevention assist and attention assist. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Interior trim options varied, allowing buyers to personalize the cabin with different wood or aluminum accents. The dashboard layout was consistent with other W205 C-Class models, but featured specific displays related to the hybrid system, showing energy flow and battery charge status.
Chassis & Braking
The C 350e utilizes a sophisticated suspension system designed to balance comfort and handling. It features an independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear, often incorporating air suspension on higher trim levels. This air suspension system allows for adjustable ride height and damping, enhancing both ride quality and stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration, helping to recharge the battery and improve overall efficiency. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to minimize body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C 350e was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and refined interior. However, some reviewers noted the reduced trunk space due to the battery pack and the slightly higher price compared to conventional C-Class models. Compared to the C 300, the C 350e offered superior fuel economy and lower emissions, but at the cost of some cargo capacity and a slightly higher initial investment. Against competitors like the BMW 330e and Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, the C 350e held its own, offering a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and efficiency.
Legacy
The C 350e represented an important step for Mercedes-Benz in the development and adoption of plug-in hybrid technology. While not without its compromises, it demonstrated the potential for combining gasoline power with electric drive to create a more sustainable and efficient driving experience. On the used car market, the C 350e remains a relatively popular choice, particularly for buyers seeking a luxury sedan with low running costs. The powertrain has proven to be generally reliable, although regular maintenance of the hybrid system components is essential. Battery degradation is a consideration, as with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but many C 350e models still retain a significant portion of their original battery capacity.
