2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e : In a significant move that underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to electrification, the German luxury automaker has officially launched the 2025 C350e in Australia.
This latest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) addition to the C-Class lineup arrives with an impressive all-electric range of 100 kilometers, positioning it as one of the most capable plug-in hybrids in the Australian market.
Revolutionary Range in a Refined Package
The new C350e represents a substantial evolution in Mercedes’ plug-in hybrid technology. The vehicle’s 100-kilometer electric range—nearly double what many competitors offer—allows most Australian commuters to complete their daily drives without consuming a drop of petrol.
This advancement comes from Mercedes’ fourth-generation hybrid technology, featuring a high-density 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack neatly integrated into the vehicle’s floor.
“The C350e marks a significant milestone in our electrification journey,” says Daniel Morrison, Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Product Planning Director. “We’ve designed this vehicle to offer genuine electric mobility without compromise, addressing the range anxiety that has traditionally plagued plug-in hybrids.”
The impressive electric range doesn’t come at the cost of performance. When the 95kW electric motor works in concert with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, the C350e delivers a combined system output of 230kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
This potent powertrain enables the executive sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Charging Forward with Convenience
Mercedes has enhanced the charging capabilities of the C350e to match its extended range. The vehicle supports fast charging at up to 55kW DC, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes at compatible stations.
For home charging, the standard 11kW onboard charger can fully replenish the battery in about 2.5 hours when connected to a compatible wallbox.
The C350e’s charging system includes intelligent preconditioning, which optimizes battery temperature for faster charging when drivers set a charging location in the navigation system. This feature exemplifies Mercedes’ holistic approach to electrification, focusing not just on range but on the entire ownership experience.
Australian Specification and Premium Features
In the Australian market, the C350e arrives with an impressive level of standard equipment that befits its positioning as a premium executive vehicle.
The exterior showcases the elegant AMG Line styling package, 19-inch alloy wheels, and adaptive LED headlights that adjust their beam pattern based on road conditions and oncoming traffic.
Inside, the cabin exudes luxury with standard Artico synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, and the latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system.
The latter features an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both offering crisp graphics and responsive interfaces.
The MBUX system includes specific hybrid displays and functions, allowing drivers to monitor energy flow, set charging parameters, and access hybrid-specific navigation features that optimize routes based on charging infrastructure and battery status.
Driver Assistance and Safety: Intelligence in Motion
Safety remains a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and the C350e exemplifies this commitment with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The vehicle comes standard with the Driving Assistance Package Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, active lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The C350e also introduces a more advanced version of Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system, which can detect imminent collisions and prepare the vehicle by tightening seatbelts, adjusting headrests, and closing windows.
In the event of a side impact, the vehicle’s E-Active Body Control can even raise the body slightly to direct crash forces through stronger parts of the vehicle structure.
These safety features work in concert with the C350e’s robust construction, which includes specialized reinforcement around the battery pack to maintain structural integrity and protect the high-voltage components in case of a collision.
Driving Dynamics: Electrified but Engaging
Despite carrying the additional weight of its battery pack, the C350e maintains the engaging driving dynamics that C-Class enthusiasts expect.
The vehicle’s standard adaptive damping system continuously adjusts suspension settings based on road conditions and driving style, striking a balance between comfort and sportiness.
During a media drive event on the winding roads surrounding the Yarra Valley, the C350e demonstrated remarkable poise through corners and a refined ride quality over varied surfaces. In electric mode, the vehicle delivers instant torque and a whisper-quiet driving experience, while the transition to hybrid operation occurs seamlessly when more power is needed.
The brake-by-wire system, which blends regenerative and friction braking, has been finely tuned to provide natural pedal feel—an area where many hybrids fall short. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, allowing for one-pedal driving in the highest setting.
“We’ve worked extensively to ensure the C350e delivers the dynamic character expected of a Mercedes-Benz,” explains Sarah Walton, Vehicle Testing Engineer at Mercedes-Benz Australia.
“The additional weight of the electrified components is offset by their strategic placement, which actually lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity and improves weight distribution.”
Environmental Credentials Beyond the Powertrain
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the C350e’s electrified powertrain. The vehicle incorporates numerous eco-friendly materials throughout its cabin, including upholstery options made from recycled ocean plastic and carpeting produced from regenerated nylon.
The manufacturing process for the C350e also reflects Mercedes’ environmental focus, with the production facility in Bremen, Germany operating on 100% renewable energy.
Additionally, the company has implemented a comprehensive battery recycling program to ensure the proper handling of battery components at the end of their lifecycle.
These efforts contribute to a significant reduction in the C350e’s overall carbon footprint compared to conventional vehicles.
According to Mercedes’ lifecycle assessment, the C350e produces approximately 45% fewer CO2 emissions than an equivalent petrol-powered C-Class when charged with renewable energy and driven primarily in electric mode.
Market Positioning and Competition
With a starting price of AUD $94,900 plus on-road costs, the C350e positions itself as a premium offering in the Australian PHEV market.
While this represents a premium over the conventional C-Class models, Mercedes-Benz Australia emphasizes the vehicle’s long-term value proposition, highlighting potential fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with electric driving.
The C350e enters a growing but still limited plug-in hybrid segment in Australia, where it will compete primarily with the BMW 330e, Audi A4 TFSI e, and Volvo S60 Recharge.
Among these competitors, the C350e boasts the longest electric range by a significant margin, although it also commands a slight price premium.
Industry analysts suggest that the C350e’s substantial electric range could attract buyers who previously dismissed plug-in hybrids as insufficient for their needs. “The 100-kilometer electric range is a game-changer for the PHEV market in Australia,” notes automotive industry analyst Rebecca Chen.
“It bridges the gap between conventional hybrids and full electric vehicles, offering a compelling option for consumers who aren’t ready to go fully electric but want meaningful EV capability.”
Future-Proofed Technology
The C350e incorporates several forward-looking technologies that extend its relevance in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. The vehicle’s over-the-air update capability allows Mercedes to continuously improve vehicle functionality and add new features throughout its lifecycle.
One of the most intriguing technologies is the vehicle’s predictive efficiency assistant, which uses navigation data, traffic information, and topography to optimize energy usage. For example, approaching a downhill section, the system might reduce battery usage knowing that regenerative braking will soon recharge the battery.
The C350e also features vehicle-to-grid (V2G) readiness, a feature that—while not yet widely utilized in Australia—positions the vehicle to potentially feed energy back to the grid during peak demand periods in the future, subject to regulatory and infrastructure developments.
A Compelling Bridge to Electrification
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e represents a significant step forward in plug-in hybrid technology, offering a genuine electric driving experience without the limitations of a full electric vehicle.
Its impressive range, coupled with fast-charging capability and Mercedes’ renowned luxury appointments, creates a compelling package for Australian consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing convenience or performance.
As Australia’s charging infrastructure continues to develop and consumer interest in electrified vehicles grows, the C350e appears well-positioned to capitalize on the transition period between conventional and fully electric mobility.
By addressing the primary concerns associated with both PHEVs and EVs—range and charging time, respectively—Mercedes has created a vehicle that feels less like a compromise and more like a glimpse into the future of premium mobility.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e is available for order at Australian dealerships now, with first deliveries expected to commence in July 2025.