Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV (plug-in hybrid version) is a luxury mid-size plug-in hybrid executive sedan from Beijing Benz. Currently on sale, the 2025 C 350 eL was officially launched on 9 September 2024, carrying an official recommended retail price of RM410,600. As a plug-in hybrid derivative of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line-up, the C 350 eL replaces the petrol model's 1.5T engine with a 2.0T engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a significant boost in both performance and efficiency. Key rivals include models like the Audi A5 PHEV.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the C 350 eL closely mirrors the petrol-powered C-Class. Up front, it sports the "Starry Night" pin-pattern radiator grille with a prominent three-pointed star emblem in the centre, flanked by full-profile LED headlights. The headlight assemblies incorporate 84 individual LEDs, delivering an illumination range of up to 650 metres alongside Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The front bumper adopts an AMG-inspired design, featuring a full-width air intake outlined by W-shaped contours that split it into two tiers for a bold, layered aesthetic. The side profile displays sleek, elegant lines complemented by a subtle fastback silhouette. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,882 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,450 mm in height, with a generous 2,954 mm wheelbase. Round the back, it features S-Class-inspired triangular rear lamp clusters, complemented by dual exhaust outlets on both sides. The charging flap is situated on the rear left wing. A wide palette of exterior colours is offered, including High-Tech Silver, Polar White, Spectral Blue, Obsidian Black, Emerald Green, Hyacinth Red, and Graphite Grey. The cabin carries over the signature Mercedes-Benz layout, headlined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen. The centre console is angled slightly towards the driver, accented with aluminium trims, piano black finishes, and ambient lighting. A flat-bottom three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel completes the cockpit.

Powertrain and Performance

The C 350 eL is powered by a plug-in hybrid system pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The 2.0T engine puts out 150 kW (204 hp) and 320 Nm of peak torque; the electric motor delivers 95 kW (129 hp) and 440 Nm. Total system output stands at 250 kW (340 hp), with a combined peak torque of 600 Nm. Power is transmitted through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h. Energy is supplied by a 25.4 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack, providing a WLTC pure electric driving range of up to 126 km. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated as low as 0.99 L/100 km, with a depleted-battery fuel consumption of 6.46 L/100 km. For charging, DC fast charging at 55 kW takes the battery from 10% to 80% in 0.5 hours, while AC slow charging takes 3.5 hours.

Chassis and Handling

The C 350 eL rides on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture. The suspension setup consists of independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear. Setting it apart from the petrol models, the C 350 eL comes standard with adaptive air suspension featuring damping and ride-height adjustment, substantially improving ride comfort and high-speed stability. Steering is handled by an electric power steering system, featuring a variable steering ratio. Braking is managed by ventilated discs all round. Regenerative braking offers three adjustable levels, selectable via the steering wheel paddle shifters. It has a kerb weight of 2,130 kg, a significant increase compared to the standard petrol model. The chassis setup is taut, absorbing road imperfections cleanly while maintaining strong structural rigidity; body roll is also well-controlled with good lateral support. Acoustic and heat-insulating glass comes standard, delivering an impressively quiet cabin. Selectable drive modes include Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central touchscreen are standard across the range. The infotainment system is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, running the latest MBUX intelligent multimedia system. It supports built-in GPS navigation (including AutoNavi Maps), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, 4G/5G on-board connectivity, as well as OTA firmware updates. Voice control can be activated via the "Hey Mercedes" prompt. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, with the front row featuring integrated sports seats. The front seats come with power adjustments, with optional seat heating and ventilation. The rear seats offer ample cushion thigh support, along with generous legroom, although the central floor tunnel has a relatively high transmission hump. On the audio front, a 5-speaker sound system is fitted as standard, while a 15-speaker Burmester premium sound system is available as an option. Comfort amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, a split dual-pane panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, and more. Boot capacity stands at 315 litres, which is slightly compromised due to the rear-mounted battery pack.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the C 350 eL is fitted as standard with front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a front centre airbag. Passive pedestrian protection comes standard. For active safety, it includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Brake Assist / Active Safety System (optional), Driver Fatigue Detection, Forward Collision Warning (optional), and more. For driver assistance, it comes equipped with Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, a 360-degree surround-view camera, Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, and more, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The hardware suite includes 5 millimetre-wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Navigation-guided Highway Driving Assist is also available as an option.

Market Performance and Verdict

The C 350 eL is currently the sole plug-in hybrid offering in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line-up. In February 2025, the model registered monthly sales of 252 units. Substantial dealer discounts are currently available, with retail quotes in certain regions falling to the RM270,000 to RM330,000 range. Market analysts point out that while the C 350 eL is not a volume seller, it remains one of the most prestigious luxury mid-size PHEVs in its price bracket, especially with the Audi A4L and BMW 3 Series yet to offer PHEV variants. Between January and July 2025, overall retail sales for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family (including petrol variants) reached 76,563 units, averaging around 10,938 units per month. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz faces headwinds across the wider Chinese market, with total July 2025 deliveries standing at just 26,653 units—core models saw sales drop by nearly a third from their typical 10,000-unit monthly benchmarks. As a key contender in the premium mid-size PHEV executive sedan segment, the C 350 eL—backed by its 2.0T powertrain, air suspension, and a 126 km pure electric range—presents a compelling balance of brand prestige and practicality bridging the gap between traditional luxury and electrification.