America Shuns Plug-In Hybrid Power For New Mercedes E-Class

Europeans are to be blessed with three plug-in hybrid variants of theall-new Mercedes-Benz E-Classthat American buyers will have to do without. Instead, the American lineup comprises the E350 4Matic with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and the E450 4Matic with a 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 375 horses and 369 lb-ft. Both US models feature a mild 48-volt hybrid system. However, Europe's additional E-Class models are plug-in hybrids with the ability to drive on all-electric power.

The three plug-in hybrid trims are based around a 2.0-liter engine and a 25.4 kWh battery and have aEuropean WLTP-estimatedrange of around 60 miles.

E300e和E300e 4MATIC make (a combined gas and electric) 308 horsepower with 405 lb-ft of torque, while the E400e 4MATIC generates 375 hp and 479 lb-ft. It seems that Mercedes is only sending us its most powerfulE-Classvariants for the new generation, as a representative confirmed the plug-ins were not in the cards.

"The hybrid models will not be available at U.S. launch late 2023. We're always evaluating our product portfolio based on market demand - hence we are launching with some of the most demanded models by customers in the US," the representative told us.

It's a pity, as the PHEVs seem pretty advanced.

The 96-cell battery system is developed in-house at Mercedes, complete with an internal cooling system. That means it's not dependent on the car's interior heating and cooling system and helps comfort in hotter or colder climates. It can also be charged in 30 minutes using a 55 kW DC charger.