What is it?
Plug-in hybrids are steadily increasing in popularity. Often seen as a stepping stone between regular combustion engines and electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids have been a solid choice for those who fancy a bit of electrification but don’t want to fully commit to a battery-powered model just yet.
But for the most part, plug-in hybrids tend to be centred on a petrol engine. Mercedes sees things differently, which is why it has equipped its popular C-Class with a diesel plug-in hybrid. We’re trying it out to see how it gets on.
What’s new?
Much of what makes this C-Class different from the rest lies underneath the bonnet and boot, but elsewhere it’s all very trademark Mercedes. The C-Class remains a core member of this German firm’s range, and though SUVs have continued to rise in popularity and demand, there still seems to be a place for cars like this in the range.
After all, Mercedes built its reputation on saloons, coupes and estates, which is probably why cars like the C-Class continue to occupy a space in the line-up.
What’s under the bonnet?
So here’s where the interesting bits happen. At the heart of the C300de is a four-cylinder diesel engine, but this is linked to an electric motor and a 19.5kWh battery. That battery unlocks an impressive electric-only range of up to 69 miles, meaning that you should be able to do quite a lot of journeys without needing to trouble the combustion engine.
Combined, Mercedes says that you could get up to 166mpg, though you’ll have to be driving on electric-only power for much of the time to achieve this. Emissions of just 46g/km CO2 mean that this model will be very attractive to business car drivers, too.
What’s it like to drive?
The good news is that for the most part, the C-Class drives like, well, a C-Class. It’s refined, quiet and comfortable, and that impressive electric-only range means that you do most of your trips on battery power. When it is required to step in, the four-cylinder diesel isn’t too raucous, though there’s the odd – and rather classic – diesel clatter to listen out for.
However, it’s not often that you’ll be interrupted by it. On the motorway, the C-Class is incredibly hushed and, when that electric power is completely gone, you can still get around 50mpg, making it incredibly efficient even when you’re out of electricity.
How does it look?
This is the good part if you’re after something understated. The C-Class in C300de form looks just the same as a standard model, so there’s little to shout about its electrified underpinnings. Even the charge point – the C300de can be fully charged using a home charger in three hours – is opposite the conventional fuel filler on the other side of the car, so there’s no funky charge port as we’ve seen on some hybrids and EVs.
You can get the C300de in either saloon or estate specifications, too, so there’s something for all drivers.
What’s it like inside?
The large screen is packed with features (Justin Leighton/Justin Leighton)
Mercedes interiors may have struggled with some patchy quality over the last few years, but the C300de’s cabin is a very pleasant place to be. While the use of gloss black plastic isn’t the best – it attracts dust and scratches easily – everything feels nicely put together. The seats in the C300de are comfortable, too, and great for long journeys.
Sadly, and it is often the case with plug-in hybrids, boot space in the C300de has taken a hit due to the fitment of the batteries. The standard C-Class Estate benefits from a 490-litre boot, but this hybrid’s is far smaller at 360 litres. It’s a shame, as most buyers will lean towards an estate due to its extra boot capacity. However, in the C300de, this feels like the biggest trade-off against a ‘regular’ version.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the C300de Estate start from £55,250, making it a relatively expensive choice. However, we do imagine that most buyers will be looking at these as a company car, where the low emissions will help to drive down payments. Running costs should be low thanks to that long electric range, too.
All cars get plenty of equipment as standard, though, with features such as the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system all coming on entry-level cars. Our higher-spec AMG Line Premium Plus-specification car came with a broad range of extras, though, with a panoramic sunroof and upgraded Burmester sound system equipped with this grade. It does bump the price up to £64,460, mind you.
Verdict
The Mercedes C300de really does feel like all of the car you could ever need. If you’re able to access home charging, then this will cost a fraction of what it would be to run a diesel or petrol-powered equivalent, while the efficient combustion engine means that when you do run out of electricity, you’ve still got a fuel-sipping setup to fall back on.
It’s expensive, and the smaller boot is disappointing, but given how few other drawbacks the C300de brings, it really is a car that is easy to recommend.
Model as tested: Mercedes C200de EstatePrice: £64,460Engine: 2.0-litre diesel with electric motor and batteryPower: 308bhpTorque: 700NmMax speed: 149mph0-60mph: 6.0 secondsMPG: 166.2Emissions: 46g/kmElectric-only range: 69 miles