Mercedes-Benz A Sedan 250e - a larger-than-life charging hybrid with up to 60 km on electric power

As the smallest model in the Mercedes range, the interior of the A-series sedan was surprising in terms of dimensions and materials.

The rounded two-piece design of the dashboard makes the dark-smooth cabin of the test car spacious, two taller adults can sit in the back with their legs straight if necessary and the boot can easily accommodate a golf bag and its long clubs. For a small charging hybrid, the battery is a commendable size, allowing for a longer electric range than most competitors.

According to Mercedes, the 15.6 kWh capacity of the drive battery currently allows up to 69 kilometres of electric driving on a single charge.

The actual range is influenced by many things, but without thinking any further about the issues affecting electricity consumption, a single charge will get you 40-50 kilometres from driver to driver – if you dare to drive according to the traffic rules.

A proactive driving style and, in cold weather, preheating the car using an external power supply can reduce electricity consumption while driving by at best tens of percent.

During the test drive, electricity consumption was around 23-26 kWh/100km in a light spring frost, with an electric range of just under 60 km. At a steady speed of 60-70 km/h, consumption figures of less than 20 kWh/100 km are achieved, bringing the operating range close to the 69 km claimed by Mercedes.

The journey continues with a small four-cylinder engine

When the battery runs out of power, the 1.3-litre petrol engine takes over. Despite its small cubic capacity, the engine has four cylinders and a comfortable 160 horsepower. With the electric motor, the car has a maximum power output of 218 horsepower.

The interaction between the electric and petrol engines is extremely subtle, and you can’t tell the difference between an engine change except by listening carefully to the engine noise and watching the rev counter. The gearbox is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, which also houses the car’s electric motor.

In terms of handling, the A-series lacks the final edge and sportiness that one would miss, especially in an AMG Edition-equipped test car. The driving feel is well in line with other Mercedes models, but the slow steering and comfort-focused chassis don’t give the full potential for a snappy ‘AMG feel’.

The quality of the materials and the comfort of the driving experience take the feel of the A-series sedan in the direction of a much larger car.

Retrospection and the latest clamour

The round design of the cabin and the round air vents add a touch of retro flair, but the wide instrument panel on the dashboard is impossible to miss. The infotainment system conceals Mercedes’ new MBUX system.

The dashboard is dominated by a wide ‘Widescreen Cockpit’ display, which is actually made up of two smaller screens. The screens are either 7 or 10.25 inches in size, depending on the equipment.

In terms of body style, the A-series sedan is not the latest craze. Launched at the beginning of 2019, the sedan is a distinctive Mercedes in appearance, with a frontal appearance that bears an unmistakable resemblance to even the latest S-series.
The side profile reveals the compact car’s slightly truncated front and rear ends. The drag coefficient is only 0.22, which is still an absolute benchmark among production cars.

In addition to the test-driven rechargeable hybrid, the A-series sedan is available with diesel and petrol-only engines. Pricing for diesel and petrol models will quickly rise to the level of the charging hybrid, running costs will be reduced by the electric motor and resale of the charging hybrid may be easier in the future in the electrification of the automotive world.

With a starting price of just under €40,000, the A 250e sedan charging hybrid is also an attractive option for those considering a company car, with free car benefits starting at €770.