Mercedes-Benz is bringing plug-in hybrids (PHEV) back to the more affordable end of its Australian lineup, starting with its long-running C-Class sedan.
A Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson has confirmed the C350e will return to local showrooms in the first half of 2025, marking the first time the current-generation C-Class has been offered as a PHEV since its local arrival in 2022.
The premium German carmaker had opted to not renew the life of its previous-generation predecessor, while also discontinuing PHEV versions of the GLC and E-Class, but an increase in PHEV sales in general this year and a cooling of the electric vehicle (EV) market has led to this changing.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
European market C300e
It’s worth noting you can currently buy a C-Class PHEV, provided you spend almost $200,000 on the high-performance Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance flagship.
Australian Government approval documents show the C350e is set to reflect the specifications of the European-spec C300e.
This means a 150kW and 320Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a 95kW/440Nm electric motor, bringing peak combined outputs up to 230kW and 550Nm.
For reference, the existing C300, which does without an electric motor, produces up to 190kW and 400Nm.
European examples of what will be badged the C350e in Australia mate their petrol engines to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, while the electric motor is fed by a 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery.
Claimed electric-only driving range is 117km, based on the European WLTP lab test cycle.
It’s not yet clear if its equipment list will match that of the current non-AMG C-Class flagship, the C300, which starts at $96,900 before on-road costs – a price the C350e is all but certain to eclipse.
The C350e’s arrival will also come ahead of Australia’s looming emissions regulations in the form of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which comes into effect in 2025.
The NVES is effectively forcing manufacturers to look at bringing more electrified options including hybrids (ranging from mild to plug-in) as well as EVs to Australia, rather than treat the local market as a ‘dumping ground’ for cheaper-to-produce and higher-emitting models.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
MORE: PHEVs back on the agenda at Mercedes-Benz Australia
