2016 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV launched in Malaysia – from RM290k!



Shortly after BMW introduced the immensely value-for-money 330e iPerformance, there’s no way Mercedes-Benz wouldn’t respond. With that comes this, the introduction of the first ever electrified C-Class to be sold in Malaysia – the C 350 e.

Previewed a little over a month ago at the company’s assembly plant in Pekan, the locally assembled C 350 e is available in three trims: Avantgarde (RM290k), Avantgarde with AMG Line (RM295k) Interior and AMG Line (RM300k). The C 350 e now sits at the top of the C-Class range, replacing the C 300.2016 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV Launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

QUICK FACTS

Name C 350 e Avantgarde C 350 e Avantgarde with AMG Line Interior C 350 e AMG Line
Engine 1,991cc; DOHC, turbocharged + 340 Nm electric motor
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Max Power 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque 350 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
Price (before insurance) RM289,888 RM294,888 RM299,888

To visually tell apart the plug-in hybrid C-Class from the rest of the range (apart from the badge) is through the blue-accented projector head lamps, blue brake callipers and a plug-in hybrid emblem on each side of the front wheel arch. There is also an extra cutout to the right of the rear bumper, which lets you charge the 6.38kWh lithium-ion battery.

Every purchase of the C 350 e comes with a standard three-point wall plug, but a RM7,500 wallbox can be optioned for. The former takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery (230V socket), whereas the latter cuts charging time down to 1 hours and 45 minutes. The electric motor alone makes 80 hp and 340 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is turbocharged to make 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque (identical to the C 250). Together, they produce 279 hp and 600 Nm of torque, much higher than the Bavarian equivalent.2016 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV Launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

It still remains a rear-wheel drive, but the seven-speed automatic has had its torque converter replaced by a clutch which decouples the transmission from the engine in pure electric mode. The C 350 e sprints from 0 – 100km/h in 5.9 seconds before topping out at a governed 250km/h, and consumes just 2.1 litres of petrol per 100km (NEDC combined cycle). In all-electric mode, expect to squeeze as much as 31km range on a full charge (top speed 130km/h).

Standard across the C 350 e range is the Airmatic adjustable air suspension whose behaviour can be altered through five driving modes: Individual, Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Economy. Its hybrid mode can also alternate between four phases – Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. Included are also tri-zone climate control (programmable to activate at any time of your choice) and a 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.2016 Mercedes C350e Preview

With an asking price of RM290k, the C 350 e comes with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Deliveries of the Avantgarde will commence sometime this month, however the AMG Line will only be available next year. Would you pay the premium to get this plug-in hybrid over the 330e iPerformance? Let us know!


IMAGE GALLERY