India-bound Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class gets hybrid powertrain

-         Both the hatchbacks along with the A-Class sedan now get EQ specific powertrain.

-         Claimed electric range of 70-75 kilometre under the NEDC cycle.

Mercedes-Benz has extended the EQ range with the introduction of plug-in hybrid variants of A-Class, B-Class and A-Class sedan. The trio debuts the third-generation hybrid drive with sales slated to commence later this year. 

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.33-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 160bhp mated to a 75kW electric motor. A combined output of 215bhp and 400Nm helps the A250e and B250e reach 100kmph from standstill in just 6.6 kilometres while the top speed is limited to 235kmph. 

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery has a capacity of 15.6kWh and it can be charged from an external electrical energy source. The A250e and B250e can be charged with AC or DC charging points. Mercedes says that the 7.4 kW Wallbox with alternating current (AC) will take 1hour 45 minutes to charge from 10-100 per cent. On the other hand, the DC battery can be charged from 10 - 80 per cent in around 25 minutes, claims the carmaker. Also, the cars are capable of driving around 70-75 kilometre on pure electric mode without the use of the IC engine (under the NEDC cycle).

The A250e and A250e sedan can be ordered now while the sale of B250e will start a few weeks later. By the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz plans to have more than ten plug-in hybrids in the range. And the number will increase to 20 by next year.