Autograph Mercedes A 250e: Range

The first impression: everything as always. Although the A-Class 250e also runs occasionally electrically, but you can see nothing of it - apart from two EQ logos.

The manufacturer says: Small car, big job. While the electrification of the thick Mercedes models succeed comparatively easily, the plug-in drive for the compact models was a decent puzzle, says line manager Jochen Eck. Reason was the limited space, which were created among other things by new crash regulations.

The result of this puzzle work is an exhaust system that ends already in the middle of the car, as well as a gas tank, which nestles around the new Hinterachskonstruktion. This creates space for the batteries, without limiting the trunk volume too much. "This will enable us to reach the electrified drives for a significantly broader customer base," says Eck. That is also a simple necessity. Because even the compact class must make a contribution to reduce the CO2 emissions of the Mercedes fleet, says Eck.

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We noticed that: First of all, electrically! Who starts the A 250e, thinks himself in a battery car. Because the A-Class with plug-in hybrid drive starts alone with the power of the electric motor, which is integrated in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric motor develops up to 75 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque, drives the car up to 140 km and is powered by a battery with a capacity of 15.6 kWh. Who needs a gas burner? Well, the range is finally: after WLTP cycle, it is 68 kilometers. And that's of course a purely theoretical value.

On the other hand, in practice, without any local emissions, you can easily get across a region like the Rhine-Main area. Only those who really step on the gas, outstretch the electric range or drive faster on the highway than the directional speed, wake up the burner. This happens pleasantly soft and quiet. The 1.3-liter four-cylinder is so cultured that you have to look at the display to see that it is in use.

Just like the acceleration behavior and the interaction of the engines, the driver literally has the deceleration in his own hands. The so-called recuperation, ie the recovery of energy during braking, can be regulated in five stages at the touch of a button. Depending on how strong the electric motor is to the generator and how much energy he should recover. Either the A-Class often idles for up to a minute with the accelerator pedal on, or the generator draws so much kinetic energy that it throws you almost into the seat belt. The mechanical brake, however, after a little getting used to the system barely needed.

However, the A 250e is programmed so that you can confidently give the setting variants and rely on the standard program. Then the electronics regulate the recuperation based on the Navi data and the distance radar, thus maximizing the range automatically.

Take a look inside the Mercedes A-Class PiH - with our 360 degree photo:

Consumption is going down significantly. The 1.4 liters from the data sheet, a truly fictitious value, are of course not achieved. But with the usual driving profile for compact cars, which are usually only on the short-haul road, the A-Class can actually drive very economical in everyday life. Anyone who longs for a gas station attendant, the construction of the model comes to meet: So that the tank fits around the rear axle, its volume was reduced to 35 liters. Therefore, the A 250e despite the comparatively low consumption similarly often to the pump like other cars too.

You have to know that: The electrified A-Class comes at the turn of the year and costs at least 36,944 euros. This puts it only 20 euros above the conventional A 250, which runs at 224 hp at a comparable level of performance. The new model is part of a plug-in offensive, which also includes corresponding tandem drives for the GLC and GLE off-road vehicles.

From 37,301 euros there is the same technology in the compact sedan of the series and from 37,664 euros up in the B-Class. All models have in common a 15.6 kWh storage battery and a dual charging technology. Because charging on the 7.4 kW AC wallbox takes just under three hours, there is a DC charger that can charge from ten to eighty percent of battery capacity within 25 minutes.

We will not forget that: the amazement over the squealing tires in an ill-considered kickdown. When the two engines pull together, the tires reach their limits. Then the A-Class feels more like another Mercedes sub-brand - instead of in an EQ you think you are in an AMG.

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