The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid sedan (a wagon will also be offered in Europe) is one of three Mercedes plug-in hybrids--along with the S550 and an ML-Class plug-in crossover utility vehicle--that will go on sale in the U.S. this year.
DON'T MISS: 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid: First Drive
The C350 Plug-In Hybrid's powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor, which gets its power from a 6.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.
Drive is to the rear wheels only, and Mercedes lists total system output at 275 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid
In electric-only mode, top speed is limited to 80 mph, while range is roughly 20 miles. EPA fuel-economy figures won't be available until closer to the C350's U.S. launch.
MORE: Three Mercedes Plug-In Hybrids On Sale By End Of 2015: S-Class, C-Class, ML-Class
Multiple driving modes include Hybrid, electric-only E-Mode, an E-Save mode that maintains the battery's state of charge, and Charge mode, which keeps the gasoline engine spinning to generate electricity.
To coach drivers into using less fuel, the C350 Plug-In Hybrid also features a haptic accelerator pedal.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid
Conversely, the pedal sends out impulses when the engine can be switched off. Lifting off the pedal initiates electric-only propulsion.
ALSO SEE: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche Electric Cars To Target Tesla Model S (Plug-In Hybrids Too)
Other than its green powertrain, the C350 Plug-In Hybrid is virtually identical to other C-Class models in terms of styling and features, and appears to sit somewhere above base models in the lineup.
Standard equipment includes air suspension and Pre-Entry Climate Control--which presets cabin temperature based on a scheduled departure time.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid
It will be followed by an ML (or GLE, as Mercedes is in the midst of renaming that model) plug-in crossover before the end of the year, and possibly more models beyond that.
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