MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS HATCHBACK A250e AMG Line Premium 5dr Auto

If you're looking at an upper-spec Mercedes A-Class, you have to consider this A 250 e Plug-in Hybrid version, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

Mercedes introduces A-Class buyers to plug-in hybrid technology with this A 250e variant. It can travel up to 44 WLTP-rated miles on a single charge that can be completed from 10-100% in just an hour and 45 minutes from a 7.4kW garage wallbox. And the 1.33-litre petrol engine and 75kW electric motor produce a sprightly 215hp total output, yet a super-low 17g/km CO2 reading. In short, if you can afford it, this Mercedes is easy to like.

Background

The forthcoming and ever-more stringent European emission regulations are going to cost manufacturers not well advanced in electrification an awful lot of money in punitive fines. Mercedes though, now has plenty of electric tech on offer to drive down its group CO2 reading. Its EQ Power brand covers almost every kind of electrification, from mild hybrids and full-EVs in the company's larger models to the space-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain that fits into this maker's more compact cars. It's that latter PHEV tech we're looking at here, specifically as applied to the Stuttgart manufacturer's smallest model, the A-Class. The model in question, the A 250 e, shares the same plug-in powertrain as the GLA, the B-Class and the CLA, a set-up that right now just happens to be amongst those setting the segment standard. But can it here justify a significant price premium over conventional petrol and diesel A-Class variants? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

The powerplant on offer here is much as we first saw it back in 2020, except that a slightly larger battery is fitted (up from 15.5kWh to 16.0kWh usable), which means a slightly higher EV operating range of as much as 58 miles (up from a maximum of 44 miles before). As before, the PHEV powertrain is based around a 1,332cc petrol powerplant that manages to put out as much as 218hp. That figure combines the 160hp of this model's 1.33-litre powerplant with a 75kW electric motor linked to that new lithium-ion battery. These power sources collectively generate a pretty potent system pulling power figure of 450Nm. So, not surprisingly, performance is sprightly, 62mph dispatched in just 7.5s en route to 143mph. You have to have front wheel drive and an 8-speed 8G-DCT dual clutch auto transmission. Of most interest to a potential PHEV buyer though, will be that projected WLTP all-electric driving range figure we mentioned earlier. Obviously, you won't get anywhere near that figure if you regularly approach the quoted all-electric top speed of 87mph. An 'Electric' drive programme keeps the car in battery drive unless the accelerator pedal's kickdown function is used. In the 'Electric' programme, the energy recovery level can also be selected via paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddles on the steering wheel enable the selection of five different recuperation levels ('DAUTO', 'D+', 'D', 'D-' and 'D--'). The usual additional 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual' mode settings are also available. According to the given requirements, the driver is thus able to give priority to electric driving, place the emphasis on driving dynamics or give preference to combustion mode in order to save electric range, for example.

Design and Build

This A 250 e's PHEV set-up now comes with the A-Class Hatch or Saloon body styles - and, as before, it's been all very cleverly packaged. An innovative exhaust system layout explains the need for a relatively minimal reduction in boot capacity compared with a conventionally-engined A-Class, 310-litres in the Hatch and 345-litres in the Saloon, both figures quite a bit down on what you'd get with these body styles normally. The exhaust ends in a centrally positioned outlet under the vehicle floor, with the rear silencer housed in the transmission tunnel. Integrating the fuel tank into the axle installation space creates additional room beneath the rear seats for the high-voltage battery. Otherwise, it's much as it would be in any other A-Class. Visual differentiators as to this variant's plug-in status are limited to subtle badging. Inside, the cabin is unchanged, save for extra 'Electric' and 'Battery Level' menus in the MBUX infotainment system. As with any A-Class, in standard spec, you get a couple of 10.25-inch infotainment screens - one in front of the driver for the instruments and a centre-dash one for the infotainment functions. And in the back? Well a six-footer might still struggle a little to sit behind another adult of similar height but overall, there's significantly more room for knees and legs than you might expect.

Market and Model

Mercedes has now decided that this A 250 e plug-in should be offered with both the Hatch and the Saloon A-class body styles. And the brand has priced this model at about £4,000 above an A 200 d diesel, so you're looking at needing from around £41,000 with base 'AMG Line Executive' trim, around £43,000 with mid-level 'AMG Line Premium'-spec and around £46,500 with top 'AMG Line Premium Plus' trim. Standard kit across the range includes LED headlights, heated front seats and Thermatronic two-zone air conditioning. Infotainment's taken care of by a couple of 7-inch screens that feature the MBUX multimedia system with its 'Mercedes me' connectivity and the 'Hey Mercedes' voice-activated virtual assistant. Even base 'AMG Line Executive' trim includes 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, privacy glass, an AMG body styling kit, ARTICO/DINAMICA sports seats with red contrast stitching and carbon interior trim. Disappointingly, you have to stretch to pricier 'AMG Line Executive' spec to get basics like front and rear parking sensors and smartphone integration, a trim level that also includes wireless charging and a 10.25-inch central media display combined with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster.

Cost of Ownership

The 16.0kWh battery can be charged with AC or DC current via a socket located in the right-hand side wall of the vehicle. This A 250 e can be charged at a 11kW charging station with alternating current (AC) within 1 hour 15 min from 10-100%. Using an 11kW wallbox, it'd be one hour and 45 minutes. Keep everything charged up and Mercedes reckons that 90% of regular commuting journeys can be completed without using the petrol engine. One important comfort feature is the pre-entry climate control prior to starting a journey, which reduces energy usage and can also be activated conveniently by smartphone. The quoted WLTP combined cycle fuel figure is between 282.5mpg (Hatch) and 403.6mpg (Saloon) and WLTP CO2 emissions are rated up to 17g/km. That means a 8% BiK tax rating; compare that to 30 or 31% for a conventional diesel or petrol-powered A-Class. The MBUX infotainment system assists the driver in finding charging stations. Just start a search simply by saying "Hey Mercedes, find charging stations nearby". Via the 'Mercedes me Charge' system, drivers of this plug-in hybrid model can optionally obtain access to one of the world's largest charging networks, with over 300 different operators in Europe alone (municipalities, car parks, motorways, shopping centres, etc.). Thanks to navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can find these stations easily and can gain convenient access to the charging stations via the Mercedes me Charge card, the Mercedes me App or directly from the car. No separate contracts are necessary for this: apart from simple authentication, customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing after they have registered their payment method once. Each charging process is booked automatically. The individual charging processes are clearly listed in a monthly invoice.

Summary

The engineering here is compelling: if you were shopping further up the A-Class range, it's certainly difficult to see why you'd buy an A 200d diesel variant for the same sort of money as is being asked here. It's just a pity that Mercedes doesn't feel able to offer this technology with its lowest, most affordable trim level - or now with the hatch body style. Still, you pay for plug-in sophistication. As usual with Plug-ins, there's lots to like about the PHEV formula if you can afford the asking price for it; superb refinement, clean emissions that lead to super-low BiK taxation and the appealing prospect of largely fuel-free commuting mileage. Ultimately, it's all about whether you can justify the up-front cost. But we still think this A 250 e could make more sense than a conventional model once you add up whole-life costs on a finance deal. And in return for that outlay, you'll get a premium package in return.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

4 Electric Front and Rear windows

Heated glass rear windscreen + timer control

Rain sensing windscreen wipers with two sensitivity settings

Rear windscreen wiper

Brakes

Anti lock brake system with Brake Assist

Electronic Stability Program with Anti Skid Control

Electronic parking brake

Radar based regeneration

ESP curve dynamic assist

Active brake assist includes forward collision warning system with autonomous braking

Adaptive brake assist with hold function and hill start assist

Perforated front brake discs

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension

Communication

Wireless charging

Hey Mercedes Voice activation

Dual bluetooth interfaces

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive power steering

Cruise control + speed limiter

Direct steering

Blind spot assist

Attention assist

Direction indicators with lane change function

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

Lane keeping system

Mercedes me remote services

Remote and charging services plus

Driver Convenience

Remote boot closing

Tailgate

Engine start/stop button

ECO start/stop function

Car wash mode

Fluorescent jacket for driver

Driver Information

Outside temperature gauge

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

Speed limit assist

Acoustic ambient protection

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Hard-disk navigation

10.25" Digital instrument cluster display screen

Lamp failure indicator

Mercedes me connect including emergency call system, accident recovery, breakdown management and maintenance

Fluid level warning indicator for fuel, oil, coolant and washer fluid

Trip computer in multifunction display with current consumption indicator

10.25 inch touchscreen central media display

Pre-installation of private car share

Owners manual in English

Fingerprint scanner

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated LED side indicators

Embellishment Trims

Light longitudinal grain aluminium trim

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Mercedes Benz advanced sound system (225 W) with 10 speakers, 1 central speaker, speakers on doors, a tweeter on door,one sub woofer + boost amplifier

MBUX multimedia system

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Body colour side skirt

Body colour door handles with chrome inserts

Chrome beltline strips

Radio aerial

Rear side wing doors

AMG body styling - AMG front apron with front splitter and AMG rear apron and visible exhaust tailpipe trim elements

Diamond radiator grille with pins in fine star pattern

Exhaust system with 2 visible tailpipe trim elements and rear apron

EQ Hybrid badging

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights

Rear fog lights

LED tail lamp

Headlamp assist automatic headlamp activation

LED High level third brake light

LED High Performance headlamps including integral LED daytime running lamps and adaptive highbeam assist

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air conditioning - Two zone thermotronic luxury automatic climate control with display

Black air vents with surround in silver chrome

Pre-entry climate control

Interior Features

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Front seat backs luggage nets

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Black roof lining

Twin front cupholders

Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs

3 Spoke flat bottom leather multi function steering wheel with perforated leather in grip area

Front centre armrest with stowage

Galvanished gear shift paddles on steering wheel

Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover

Charging socket

Interior mirror with reading lamps in black and frameless

Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre upholstery

Interior Lights

Interior lighting - 64 colour Ambient lighting

Packs

Seat comfort pack - A Class

Night pack - A Class

Mirror package - A Class

USB pack plus - A Class

Winter pack - A Class

Light and sight package - A Class

Parking pack with 180 degree view - A Class

Safety

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Drivers knee airbag

Grey seatbelts

Window airbags

Active bonnet

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Crash responsive emergency lighting

Driver and passenger head and side airbags

Childproof locks manually operated for rear doors and electrically operated for rear power windows

Bonnet with power domes

Seats

Rear head restraints

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Sports seats with integrated headrests

Seat occupancy sensor for front passenger seat

Automatic child seat recognition sensor

ISOFIX and top tether child seat fixing points in two outer rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Electrically adjustable front memory seats including lumbar support and backrest inclination

Security

Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser

Keyless Go

Remote central locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function

Keyless entry lock/unlock

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable for wallbox and public charging stations with 4m upto 22 kW

Charging system - AC charging system rated at 11kW

Mode 2 charging cable for domestic socket with 5m up to 1.8kW

Charging system - DC charging system rated at 22 kW

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" AMG 5 twin spoke light alloy wheels painted in high gloss black with high sheen finish

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit sealant kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 225

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 75

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 25

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 15.6

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 76

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 21.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 17.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 21.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.5

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 47

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 15.6

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 22

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 65

CO: 0.212

HC: 0.012

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 21

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72.2

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 81.2

CC: 1332

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 30.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 50.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 51.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 42.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 9.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 5.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 5.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 313.9

General

Coin Series: AMG Line Premium

Coin Description: e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 92

NCAP Safety Assist %: 75

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 218

Badge Engine CC: 1.3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.4

Top Speed: 140

Engine Power - BHP: 218

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 160

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 332

Engine Torque - NM: 450

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 45.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG MULTI SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4428

Width: 1796

Wheelbase: 2729

Width (including mirrors): 1992

Height: 1452

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1705

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2180

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 35

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 475

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1125

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cosmos black

Metallic - Mountain grey

Metallic - High tech silver

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red

Manufaktur magno - Mountain grey

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Trim - Cloth

Artico man-made leather/microcut microfibre - Black with contrast top stitching in grey