Hybrid model, based on existing A250, will boast 37 miles of electric-only range
Petrol-electric A-Class will gain 101bhp electric motor; performance expected to mirror that of existing A250
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch a new petrol-electric variant of the new fourth-generation A-class boasting a pure electric range of over 37 miles, as part of its growing range of EQ plug-in hybrid models.
The A250e retains the turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine already used by the A200, in which it develops 158bhp and 148lb ft. This is supported by a gearbox-mounted electric motor that delivers 101bhp and up to 221lb ft: Mercedes-Benz insiders suggest the setup provides similar performance to the existing A250.
The gearbox used by the A250e is expected to be the new eight-speed unit already confirmed for a number of new Mercedes-Benz compact models, including the recently unveiled GLB. It will be uniquely calibrated to withstand the high torque loads achieved by the new petrol-electric driveline.
The electric motor takes it power from a 15kWh lithium-ion battery. Considerably larger in capacity than the 9.7kWh unit used by the BMW 225e Active Tourer, or the 8.7kWh battery employed by the Volkswagen Golf GTE, it is claimed to provide the A250e with an electric range of over 37 miles in its most efficient driving mode, as measured on the WLTP combined cycle.
Top speed in electric mode is 87mph, according to official German transport authority documentation shown to Autocar.
As the power electrics for the electric motor take up much of the space beneath the luggage compartment floor, Mercedes-Benz has re-engineered the A-class to allow the hybrid battery to be mounted underneath its rear seat. It will sit next to the A250e’s fuel tank, which has been reduced in size from a standard 45-litres in the A200 to 35-litres.
Further modifications have been made to the rear suspension of the A-class to help package the 120kg lithium-ion battery, which is assembled at Mercedes-Benz’s daughter company Deutsche Accumotive in Germany. Power cells are supplied by Korean company LG Chem.
The A250e is expected to support DC charging at up to 22kW, though details pertaining to charge times are not likely to be revealed until closer to its planned unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
As well as featuring in the A250e, Mercedes-Benz’s latest petrol-electric plug-in drivetrain is also planned to appear in upcoming B250e, CLA250e and GLB250e models.
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Source: Autocar
