The brakes themselves are efficient, however we favor to take management ourselves. The pedal is already softer than the one within the BMW 330e, however we discovered that deactivating the system supplied a extra constant pedal really feel.
Talking to your automotive to vary settings remains to be an alien idea to UK patrons – it’s one thing that’s way more prevalent within the Far East. However for those who’re joyful to ‘speak to your self’, then it may be a simple solution to bypass distracting use of the touchscreen. Within the C-Class, merely say “Hey Mercedes” (or press the converse button on the steering wheel) and the system prompts. There are different options, comparable to a personalised greeting while you get within the automotive, and a vocal reminder for those who depart your cellphone related to a USB port.
Face to face
On the highway
BMW typically produces automobiles which might be sportier to drive than rivals, whereas Mercedes focuses on consolation. That’s precisely the case right here, however the 330e manages to ship a greater steadiness between entertaining dealing with and cruising consolation that provides it a bonus. Each automobiles are punchy off the road due to their electrical help, however the weight of the drive battery additionally means they’re not fairly as agile as their petrol counterparts.
Tech highlights
Huge, high-resolution shows are the order of the day right here, with the BMW that includes a bigger 14.9-inch widescreen panel than the 11.9-inch unit discovered within the Mercedes. There’s loads of performance for each fashions, though the BMW’s iDrive controller helps to make it extra user-friendly than the MBUX system on the C-Class. Each automobiles characteristic sharp 12.3-inch driver’s shows which might be extremely configurable and straightforward to learn.
Worth and operating
Regardless of having a smaller battery, the Mercedes has an extended claimed all-electric vary than the BMW. Neither automotive might be run fully flat as a result of a certain quantity of cost is retained to assist the engine ship some semblance of effectivity. On our take a look at, the C-Class proved to be extra frugal as soon as the battery was low, returning 46.2mpg in contrast with 43.2mpg for the BMW. The Merc has a bigger gas tank, too.
Practicality
There are sacrifices to be made to incorporate PHEV energy, however the 330e has fewer compromises. The 410-litre boot is 50 litres forward of the C 300 e’s, however is 90 litres down on a petroleum 3 Collection Touring. At the very least the individually opening tailgate glass stays. The Mercedes’ 360-litre boot is 130 litres down on a petroleum C-Class, plus there’s a excessive flooring to take care of. Neither automotive has devoted storage for cost cables.
Security
There’s an extended listing of security equipment on each automobiles, though you must improve to the C 300 e AMG Line Premium Plus to have the ability to add Merc’s £1,695 Driving Help Package deal Plus. This contains blind-spot help, lively braking, exit warning and route-based adaptive cruise management, amongst others. BMW contains blind-spot detection within the £1,250 Driving Assistant Skilled pack, and it may be added to any model.
Possession
On a regular basis prices will likely be low for those who maintain the drive battery charged, though solely the Mercedes has high-voltage DC charging on supply. A modest 55kW velocity means the battery might be replenished in 20 minutes. Whereas the BMW is slower to high up, there are possession advantages elsewhere. The five-year Service Inclusive package deal works out at £209 a 12 months, in contrast with £504 a 12 months for Merc’s three-year providing.
Verdict
Winner: BMW 330e Touring M Sport
Upgrades to the 330e’s drive battery have made it an much more interesting plug-in hybrid. The additional weight of the larger battery hasn’t had an impression on a driving expertise that was slightly behind the pure-petrol mannequin anyway, however enterprise customers will really feel extra profit from the decrease emissions the brand new battery brings.
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