Having driven a 2017 Mercedes C350e for several years and 24,000 miles, I can offer an honest review for anyone considering this plug-in hybrid. Overall, the experience has been positive, particularly in terms of comfort, but there’s a significant caveat regarding the battery range.
The advertised electric range of the C350e often feels detached from reality. In ideal conditions – and I mean really ideal, like a mild day on a flat surface – I’ve barely managed 15 miles on a full charge. More typically, especially on colder days or with even minor inclines, the range can plummet dramatically, sometimes as low as a mere 3 miles. This severely impacts the fuel economy benefit if you’re expecting to drive primarily on electric power. While I’ve averaged around 50mpg, this is largely due to diligently charging for short trips. If your journeys are predominantly longer, expect significantly poorer fuel consumption once the battery is depleted. It’s worth noting that recently, I’ve felt the battery performance has declined further, prompting consideration for a garage check if I were keeping the car.
However, where the C350e truly shines is in its comfort. It was only when test driving other vehicles recently that I fully appreciated the exceptional comfort of the Mercedes seats. Models like the BMW X3 and Peugeot 3008, with their aggressively bolstered seats that uncomfortably dug into my legs, simply didn’t compare. I didn’t even bother to test drive the Audi Q5 after those experiences. The C350e’s seats are a standout feature, making longer drives genuinely pleasant.
Despite the comfort and overall initial satisfaction, the dismal battery range was a key factor in my decision not to purchase the car at the end of its term. Instead, I’ve opted for a Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV. Interestingly, this new Volvo model wasn’t even officially listed on their website at the time of ordering, but the slightly slower 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds compared to the T8 model is a trade-off I’m willing to make to save £40 per month, and hopefully gain a more usable electric range.
In conclusion, the Mercedes C350e is a comfortable and well-specified car, ideal for those with predominantly short commutes who prioritize comfort. However, potential buyers should be realistic about the electric battery range, which in real-world driving conditions, can be significantly less than advertised and may diminish over time. For longer journeys, the fuel economy benefits of the hybrid system diminish considerably.
