Mercedes has been offering many hybrid versions for a while now, and with the clever use of EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, almost all Mercedes models are partially hybrids. Hybrid technology serves as a perfect midpoint between a combustion engine and a full-on EV.
Mercedes traditional plug-in hybrid powertrains are designated with an ‘’e’’ model designation after the model name. For example, an A250e is the A-class hybrid, or the C 300e is the C-class hybrid sedan. Most of the hybrid models are petrol/electric, but Mercedes does offer ‘’de’’ as diesel/electric in specific non-US markets.
As of right now, the infrastructure of EV ownership is not quite ready to offer the same level of ownership ease compared to combustion engines, and because of that, Mercedes hybrid and mild hybrid models are certainly worth looking into.
Mercedes Hybrid Sedans
Sedans have been the bread and butter of Mercedes craftmanship, from the smallest C-class sedan to the Mercedes S-class flagship, Mercedes has been constantly updating the entire sedan lineup to keep up with the modern times, and because of this, all Mercedes sedans can be bought with some form of hybrid powertrains.
The smallest Mercedes sedan is the C-class, and Mercedes has just unveiled the new C-class so the prices are not yet revealed. But, all the newer Mercedes C-classes will be powered by a 4-cylinder engine, and all of them will offer either a full-on plug-in hybrid powertrain or a Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid assisted combustion engine.
The next in line is the Mercedes Benz E-class, and as of right now, Mercedes USA does not offer the 350 e for the 2021 model year, but the E450 4MATIC sedan which retails for $62k offers an EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology-assisted 3.0L inline 6 turbo engine.
The Mercedes S-class is the flagship Mercedes sedan and the S560e offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists out of an electric engine mated with a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder BiTurbo. This configuration of the S-class retails for $110k and it offers an impressive 470hp and an equally impressive 58-73 MPGe US.
Mercedes Hybrid SUVs
As of right now, Mercedes does not offer a plug-in hybrid version of the smallest Mercedes SUV the GLA, but the GLA 250e is expected to join the Mercedes USA lineup in 2021. Currently, the only GLA model offered is the 250 with or without the 4MATIC system at around $36-38k. The plug-in GLB will also soon follow.
The next in line is the GLC as the Mercedes SUV best-seller. The GLC 350e 4MATIC which retails for about $52k offers a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine plus a 90kW electric engine, making it a full-on plug-in hybrid with 315hp and 67-70 MPGe US fuel efficiency rating.
The mid-size GLE currently is not offered with a full-on plug-in hybrid, but the 6-cylinder GLE450 and the 8-cylinder GLE580 are both offered with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The GLE450 retails for about $62k and the GLE580 retails for about $79k.
The GLS is the full-size Mercedes SUV flagship which shares a lot of its parts with the GLE, including the powertrain. So the GLS450 which retails for about $76k offers the same engine combo as the GLE450, and the GLS580 which retails for about $99k offers the same powertrain as the one found in the GLE580.
Difference between EQ Boost and plug-in hybrid technology
Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology is an integrated electric motor system that is aimed at assisting the main powerplant in delivering better fuel and emissions ratings. This technology uses a specific integration of a starter wedged between the engine and the transmission and enables the car to coast with the engine off at certain speeds.
This technology differs from traditional plug-in hybrid powertrains because a traditional plug-in can be as the name suggests- plugged in. The electric motor in a hybrid is a lot more powerful and serves a greater purpose, more akin to the combustion engine.
EQ Boost technology keeps on improving as time goes on, and most, if not all the future Mercedes models are likely going to use this technology. Audi and many other car manufacturers are using mild-hybrid technology as well, as this technology improves the car’s efficiency and also offers a power-boost for a short amount of time.
FAQ Section
Is Mercedes going to make plug-in hybrids for all of the future models?
With the release of the new Mercedes C-class, it’s fairly obvious in which direction Mercedes is heading. That direction is efficiency, fewer emissions, more power, but smaller engines. It is expected that Mercedes will eventually offer all of the models with a plug-in hybrid technology powertrain.
The EQ Boost technology is founding its way into more and more Mercedes cars, even though plug-in hybridization of the entire range is not as fast. It is fairly obvious that Mercedes will start incorporating plug-in hybrids on a larger scale soon.
Is Mercedes going to offer any AMG plug-in hybrids?
A defining characteristic of a true Mercedes AMG is the engine. The engine serves as a beating heart of an AMG, and it is the most appealing aspect of owning a Mercedes AMG model. Mercedes has recently stated that the imminent C63 AMG is going to use a 2.0L 4-cylinder EQ Boost engine.
While this is certainly beneficial for the environment, a C63 without a V8 or even a V6 really needs to offer something special to receive any attention from the car-enthusiasts community. Mercedes is also soon to release the AMG GT73, an 800hp+ AMG monster with a 4.0L BiTurbo hybrid engine.
What is the benefit of owning a hybrid car?
There are many benefits to owning a hybrid, starting from tax deductions, longer warranties, better fuel efficiency, less CO2 emissions, and sometimes even a decent amount of discounts in certain markets. Hybrid cars are expected to offer as much as 50% or even 70% better gas mileage compared to regular combustion-engined cars.
But there are some cons to owning a hybrid car as well. Hybrids usually cost more compared to regular combustion-engined cars. If you are not going to plug your hybrid in, then it also doesn’t make much sense to buy a hybrid. Furthermore, if you drive mostly on the highways, the fuel efficiency ratings are going to drop significantly.