On September 2nd (Monday), Mercedes-Benz Japan announced and began sales of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan "C 350 e Avantgarde" for the "C-Class." Concurrently, minor changes were made to the entire C-Class lineup, and a special edition "Laureus Edition" was added for the sedan and station wagon models.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class finally welcomes its PHEV model.

The model is a C-Class sedan. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a maximum output of 155kW (211ps) and peak torque of 350Nm, with an electric motor that produces 90kW (122ps) and 440Nm, featuring a boost function. The system as a whole delivers a maximum output of 235kW (320ps) and peak torque of 700Nm.

It can travel up to approximately 54km on electric power alone and also recharges through regenerative braking. Charging the onboard high-voltage lithium-ion battery using a Mercedes-Benz genuine wall unit (6.0kW) is completed in about 2 hours. Despite housing a 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery, the trunk capacity remains a practical 300 liters.

It also features an "Intelligent Accelerator Pedal," which includes a "pressure point function" that increases resistance when the pedal reaches a limit where pressing further would engage the engine in EV mode, thus preventing unnecessary energy consumption.

Additionally, optional features include the "Air Body Control Suspension," which electronically controls continuously variable dampers and multi-chamber air suspension to enhance comfort and agility, the AMG Line for a sporty exterior and interior, and the "Leather Exclusive Package" incorporating a 12.3-inch cockpit display with C-Class specific design.

The special edition "Laureus Edition" is available for the "C 200," "C 200 4MATIC," and "C 220 d" sedan and station wagon models. It comes standard with the AMG styling package for a sporty exterior and wireless charging functionality. The center console features a badge with the "Laureus" logo.

For the sedan, station wagon, coupe, and cabriolet specifications, the "C 180" now features a new 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, the "M264." It produces a maximum output of 115kW (156ps) and peak torque of 250Nm, and its turbocharger is equipped with a twin-scroll system and "Camtronic" for optimized intake depending on the situation.

Furthermore, a new exterior color, Graphite Grey, is available for sedan and station wagon models (excluding "63" and "63S"). A drive recorder is also available as a new option.

Prices including 10% consumption tax are as follows: the C 350 e Avantgarde is ¥6,790,000, with deliveries scheduled from October onwards. The Laureus Edition ranges from ¥5,860,000 to ¥6,140,000 for the sedan and ¥6,100,000 to ¥6,400,000 for the station wagon. The "C 180," now equipped with the refreshed 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, starts at ¥4,630,000 or ¥5,040,000 for the sedan, ¥4,880,000 to ¥5,300,000 for the station wagon, ¥5,860,000 for the coupe, and ¥6,390,000 for the cabriolet, with deliveries also expected from October.