Mercedes-Benz has conducted a lifecycle assessment of its new C-Class C 300 e plug-in hybrid sedan, taking into account production and charging processes. The production of additional drivetrain components for the vehicle requires greater use of material and energy resources, but during the operating phase, the car benefits from the high efficiency of the electrified powertrain. With a usable energy capacity of approximately 25 kWh and an electric output of 95 kW, the car can cover distances of up to 116 km in all-electric mode without using the combustion engine.

Mercedes-Benz analyzed the charging of the high-voltage battery based on two different energy sources: renewable sources (electricity from hydropower) and the European power mix. The results showed that if renewable power is used to charge the C 300 e, lifecycle CO2 emissions can be almost halved. Mercedes-Benz is also building a battery recycling plant in Germany with a process that will achieve a recovery rate of over 96%. The company-owned Mercedes-Benz car and van plants worldwide have operated on a net carbon-neutral basis since 2022, and since 2021, the company has ensured a subsequent offset with green electricity when customers use Mercedes me Charge public charging stations in Europe, the USA, and Canada.

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e (combined fuel consumption weighted (WLTP): 0.8-0.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions weighted (WLTP): 17-13 g/km; combined energy consumption weighted (WLTP): 23.3-20.8 kWh/100 km); designo selenite grey magno ; Nappa leather sienna brown/black; AMG Line + Nightpaket; Comfort suspension; DC charging;(combined fuel consumption weighted (WLTP): 0.8-0.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions weighted (WLTP): 17-13 g/km; combined energy consumption weighted (WLTP): 23.3-20.8 kWh/100 km)*

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e (combined fuel consumption weighted (WLTP): 0.8-0.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions weighted (WLTP): 17-13 g/km; combined energy consumption weighted (WLTP): 23.3-20.8 kWh/100 km); designo selenite grey magno ; Nappa leather sienna brown/black; AMG Line + Nightpaket; Comfort suspension; DC charging;(combined fuel consumption weighted (WLTP): 0.8-0.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions weighted (WLTP): 17-13 g/km; combined energy consumption weighted (WLTP): 23.3-20.8 kWh/100 km)*

Press Release
Apr 6, 2023 – Stuttgart

Important factors for the lifecycle assessment of a plug-in hybrid vehicle include the resources consumed in production and the charging processes of the high voltage battery during vehicle operation. In production, the additional drivetrain components of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 e plug-in hybrid sedan (WLTP: combined fuel consumption, weighted: 0.7–0.5 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions, weighted: 16– 2 g/km, combined electrical power consumption, weighted: 19.8–17.8 kWh/100 km)[1] require a greater use of material and energy resources. However, an overall picture only emerges when the entire life cycle is considered: This is because during its operating phase, the C 300 e benefits from the high efficiency of the electrified powertrain.

Data, facts and figures: The lifecycle performance of the C 300e plug-in hybrid at a glance
Mercedes-Benz based its analysis of the charging of the high-voltage battery on two different energy sources: One scenario is based on power from renewable sources (electricity from hydropower)[2], and the other on the European power mix2. Both scenarios are based on a mileage of 200,000 km. The result: If renewable power (hydroelectric power) is used to charge the C 300 e, lifecycle CO2 emissions can be almost halved.

With the increased electric range (WLTP) brought about by the C 300 e battery and its usable energy capacity of approximately 25 kWh and an electric output of 95 kW, the car can cover distances of up to 116 km[3] in all-electric mode without using the combustion engine.

210 components with a total weight of 90.4 kg can be made in part with materials that result in lower consumption of resources (recycled plastics and renewable raw materials).

Mercedes-Benz is building a battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim in southern Germany with a process that will achieve a recovery rate of over 96%.

All company-owned Mercedes-Benz car and van plants worldwide have operated on a net carbon-neutral basis since 2022.

Since 2021, Mercedes-Benz has ensured a subsequent offset with green electricity when customers use Mercedes me Charge[4] public charging stations in Europe, the USA and Canada. Certificates of origin ensure that corresponding amounts of green electricity are fed into the grid for charged energy quantities after the charging process.

[1] The figures shown are the WLTP CO2 figures measured according to Article 2 No. 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures. Electrical consumption has been determined on the basis of Regulation (EC) No. 2017/1151/EU.

[2] The analysis used the GaBi software and database from 2022 (Version SP2022.01) by Sphera Solutions GmbH.

[3] The figures shown are the WLTP CO2 figures measured according to Article 2 No. 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures. Electrical consumption [and range] have been determined on the basis of Regulation No. 2017/1151/EU.

[4] In order to allow use of the Mercedes me connect service “Mercedes me Charge”, a separate charging contract with a selected third-party provider is required for charging payment and billing purposes. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required for use of the Mercedes me connect services.

Mercedes‑Benz is returning to CES in Las Vegas the first week of 2023. At the forefront will be the theme of “Tech to Desire,” illustrating how technological developments from Mercedes‑Benz enrich the lives of its customers. The focus is on innovations that give back time, make life easier and generate excitement.

The highlight of Mercedes’ presence at CES will be the tech talks held in their booth 5041 inside the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 5 at 12:00 p.m., where Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer and Chief Software Officer Magnus Östberg will be joined by a number of collaboration partners. Together, they will announce news about the Mercedes‑Benz electrification strategy. They will also discuss automated driving features that give back time, and explain how new developments in in-car audio, streaming and entertainment will generate customer excitement. To round out the program, Mercedes will unveil an artistic collaboration with an innovative entertainment brand, reinventing an icon of pop culture.

By popular demand, we have compiled our favorite photos of the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class for your viewing pleasure.  The photo gallery includes the 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe, 2012 C63 AMG Sedan, 2012 C350 Sedan, 2012 C350 Coupe, 2012 C300 Luxury Sedan, 2012 C250 Coupe, 2012 C350 Coupe and lastly the 2012 C350 Coupe 4MATIC.

Head below to view all photos in the gallery or click the one of the linked models above to go directly to their corresponding photos.

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Tell us here.  Which is your favorite C-Class?