BMW isn’t the only company working on an affordable plug-in hybrid sedan with its 3-Series as Mercedes-Benz is developing the same thing for its latest generation C-Class. Spied here for the very first time, it is expected that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-In Hybrid will arrive sometime next year as a 2016 model.
The distinguishing feature which gives away this prototype’s identity as a plug-in hybrid as the camouflaged charging port can be seen in the rear bumper, the same place as the charger for the S-Class Plug-In Hybrid.
Differentiating the new C-Class Plug-In Hybrid from the S-Class however will be its engine. Whereas the S-Class Plug-In Hybrid features a turbocharged V6 engine mated with an electric motor joined with the transmission. By comparison, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-In Hybrid is expected to utilise a turbocharged four-cylinder engine along with a similar electric motor and transmission setup.
All-up, the C-Class Plug-In Hybrid could deliver around 280 hp thanks to the 211 hp four-cylinder and the electric motor providing an additional 70 horses. Likely to be officially dubbed the C350 Plug-In Hybrid, the car should be capable of a 30 mile range in purely electric mode and have a combined cycle of around 78 mpg if not even better.
Alongside the new C-Class Plug-In Hybrid and 3-Series plug-in, Audi is working on a plug-in variant of its A4.
[Via Motor Authority]
