Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jan. 12, 2015
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 – Pricing and EPA ratings are TBA at a later date.
Detroit, Michigan – At the 2015 North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz announced it will soon release its next generation of electric mobility in the form of a new iteration of its well-regarded C-Class. In this case, a PHEV variant with an announced all-electric range (AER) of 20-miles. With its 6.2 kWh traction battery, I suspect it will be rated at 15 AER miles when it reached U.S. showrooms.
What I was really impressed with is that instead of using a fuel hungry V6 engine, the iconic brand decided to instead use its most advanced and efficient yet powerful 2.0L I4 mated through a dynamic clutch and powerful electric motor of a total system output of 275 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This is sports car territory while offering Prius PHEV like efficiency under many driving scenarios.
Let us look into the details of this all new C-Class variant.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15
An exciting exterior, modern interior, and the very latest drivetrain awaits.
An exciting exterior, modern interior, and the very latest drivetrain awaits.
In true Mercedes-Benz form, the new C-Class addition will incorporate its AIRMATIC air suspension system and convenient Pre-Entry Climate Control as standard equipment.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-20 uses a 220 pound, 6.2 kWh water cooled Li-Ion pack housed in a steel housing beneath the rear axle providing the best compromise of crash test safety, driving dynamics and maximum trunk space of 11.8 cubic feet. Close to the norm for most compacts.
The direct-injected 2.0L I4 produces 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The large 60 kW electric motor provides an additional 80 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque at 0 RPM. Together the two provide 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. They are connected to the wheels via a 7- speed AT with a clutch separating the two drives. The hybrid module of the 7-speed AT decouples the combustion engine from the drive train in electric mode. All-in, the C350 PHEV-15 has an 80 mph top speed in EV mode, 130 mph in combined mode, will sprint to 60 in just under 6 seconds and a guesstimate of 15 miles AER.
Haptic feedback accelerator pedal – An all-new exclusive feature of the upcoming C350 PHEV-15 is a haptic accelerator pedal the provides two types of information without any visual cues needed.
When driving in EV mode, if the driver's right foot meets a point of resistance on the gas pedal, this indicates that maximum electric performance is being delivered. If the driver continues to depress the accelerator pedal beyond this resistance point, the combustion engine will kick in.
A second feedback feature is the ECO Assist function signals that the driver should remove their foot from the gas pedal in order to switch off the combustion engine and decouple it from the drive train. Assuming that the driver does what the double impulse suggests, the intelligent engine management system of the C350 PHEV-15 will vary the deceleration mode between a glide and regeneration using data from the vehicle's radar systems. This is not only super high tech, it is exactly what should be done if you manually control your decelerations.
The C350 PHEV-15 incorporates five operating and three transmission modes. This is done via an operating mode switch and a transmission mode switch located in the center console.
The following transmission modes are available:
- I Individual adjusting the Drive system, Chassis and suspension, Steering, ECO Assist and Climate control
- S + Sport+ provides maximum boost performance, aggressive gear changes, the engine is always on and the suspension transitions to its stiff settings
- S Sport boosts performance close to S+ and adds the rest of the S+ settings
- C Comfort boosts performance and regeneration, allows electric drive/engine shut-off possible up to 80 mph, and sets up the suspension for comfort.
- E Economy boosts performance, minimizes regeneration in favor of gliding distance
ECO Assist activates the radar technology behind the standard proximity radar warning system that can identify a slower-moving vehicle ahead to send the double impulse "haptic accelerator pedal" signal to the driver as described above.
Four operating modes
Hybrid - All hybrid functions such as electric operating mode, boost and recuperation are available and are applied according to the driving situation and route in the most fuel-efficient manner.
E-mode - Used for all-electric driving.
E-save - The charge status of the battery is maintained
Charge - Allows the battery to be recharged while driving using the combustion engine. Electric operation is not available in this mode as expected.
In the transmission modes S+ and S, the "hybrid" operating mode is activated. In the "Individual" mode, the choice of available operating modes depends upon the drive system setting.
Route-based Electric operating strategy
The best strategy for efficient operation is anticipatory driving. I wonder where they picked that one up from? ;) If the destination is entered into the navigation system, charge and discharge of the high-voltage battery is controlled to ensure the optimal use of energy over the whole route. Hopefully the Electric for around town and full hybrid functionality on the interstate with std. glides on downhill’s etc.
Air suspension and Pre-Entry Climate Control
The C350 PHEV-15 offers everything the std. C-Class provides plus the AIRMATIC air suspension and pre-conditioning climate control options.
Thanks to its electronically regulated continuously variable damper adjustment at both the front and rear axle, the air suspension offers self-levelling suspension and outstanding ride comfort with minimal road roar and tire vibration even when the vehicle is loaded.
You set the desired temperature for the interior of the vehicle for a preset departure time before setting off – cooling it in the summer, or warming it up in the winter and it does so on the plug. In vehicles with the appropriate features, even the seat ventilation or heating will be activated.
The charging time and status of the vehicle can also be controlled and viewed online.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 Interior and Trims
The C350 PHEV-15 sedan arrives as a base PHEV or can be equipped with an optional Luxury Package.
The Mercedes-Benz designers used high-quality soft touch materials. Prominently located immediately above the center console is a centrally positioned free-standing central display unit. All the functions of the head unit can be controlled using a rotary knob or the optional touchpad (included with the COMAND Navigation system). Also available: A heads-up display (HUD) that projects important information onto the windscreen directly in the driver's field of vision.
Halogen headlamps are standard with two energy-saving LED variants with either a static or dynamic variant with Active Curve Illumination.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 Safety
The C350 PHEV-15 Sedan includes the standard Mercedes-Benz ATTENTION ASSIST - warns of inattentiveness and fatigue, and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS - protects against a collision at speeds of over 5 mph. If the danger remains and the driver fails to react, this system can also undertake autonomous braking at speeds of up to 65 mph. Expect an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when this new sedan arrives if the company has improved its SOL crash test.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 Infotainment
All C-Class’ with an active mbrace subscription and Mercedes-Benz Apps package are internet-compatible. This enables the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. Also standard is a Hands-free Bluetooth interface, which allows calls to be placed or answered and access to select phonebooks without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Standard Bluetooth audio streaming also allows for convenient cable-free playback.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-15 Early Conclusions
Want to drive. Is it as efficient as the Toyota Super Hybrids? It is most certainly more performance oriented. Hoping for a 45/40 rating and a lot more when pushed. We will have to wait and see.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 PHEV-20 is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships this fall.
#NAIAS2015 – The Upcoming 2016 Mercedes C350 PHEV-15
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