Mercedes reveals 250e PLUG-IN HYBRID versions of the A-Class and B-Class

Mercedes reveals plug-in hybrid versions of the A-Class Saloon and Hatch and B-Class with e250 badges and EQ Power branding.

If you believe that a plug-in hybrid is the perfect stepping stone to a full EV, then Mercedes are bang on the money with the arrival of a trio of new compact plug-in hybrid models.

The arrival of the Mercedes A250e – in Hatch and Saloon guises – and the B250e delivers a trio of plug-in compact models to appeal to drivers who can get the most out of a car promising a modest EV range, decent performance and no range anxiety.

Under the skin of the A-Class and B-Class plug-ins is the same 1.3 litre petrol engine you’ll already find under the bonnet of the A and B – complete with 158bhp and 184lb/ft of torque – but mated to an electric motor good for 101bhp and 221lb/ft of torque for a combined usable output of 215bhp and 332lb/ft of torque.

That combination will get the A-Class Hatch to 62mph in 6.6 seconds, the saloon a tenth slower and the B-Class another tenth behind, with a top EV-only speed of 87mph.

Mercedes say the plug-in range is 38-43 miles, and an AC charge from 10-100% takes one hour 45 minutes and from a DC charger 25 minutes (to 80 per cent).

No prices yet for the UK, but the A250e Hatch costs €36,943 in Germany.