Mercedes-Benz C350e 2025 Review

The C350e is priced from $98,200 before on-road costs, sitting between the petrol-powered C200 and C300 sedan in the range. It’s well equipped for the money with metallic paint, premium leather trim, privacy glass, 19-inch alloys, AMG Line exterior styling and a panoramic sunroof all standard.

Inside, buyers get heated front seats with electric adjustment and memory, ambient lighting, a head-up display, keyless entry and start and a power tailgate.

Furthermore, you get an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which are both crisp and mostly easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built in, plus there’s a wireless charging pad, fingerprint login for personal settings and a seriously impressive 16-speaker Burmester 3D audio system.

Charging options include AC charging at up to 11kW as standard, allowing a full charge in around two hours under optimal conditions. An optional DC charging package ($1,500) increases capacity to 55kW, enabling a charge from 0-80 per cent in approximately 20 minutes. Two cables are included as standard: one for a wallbox and public charging stations, and another for home charging from a regular power outlet.

The C350e pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 230kW and 550Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic. The hybrid setup allows for up to 104km of electric-only range (NEDC) and achieves a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds, slightly faster than its SUV GLC 350e sibling.

All the usual Mercedes-Benz safety tech is here: 7 airbags, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, AEB and traffic-sign recognition. The broader C-Class range is already five-star rated by ANCAP (2022), but the plug-in model hasn’t been individually tested yet, thanks to its heavier battery setup.

The appeal of the C350e lies in how seamlessly it integrates its hybrid system into everyday driving. Power delivery is smooth and effortless, with the electric motor adding instant torque that makes urban commuting genuinely relaxing. Even when the petrol engine kicks in, refinement remains a highlight; there’s barely a vibration or rough edge to be found.

It also feels lighter on its feet than the GLC 350e SUV. The sedan’s lower centre of gravity gives it a natural balance through corners, and the steering feels precise, and comfort remains excellent.

Efficiency is another strong suit. In mixed driving, we achieved a figure of 2.4L/100km, only slightly up from the claimed 1.5L/100km. The transition between electric and hybrid modes is nearly imperceptible, and regenerative braking – controlled via the steering paddles – adds another layer of smoothness and control.

Inside, it’s everything you’d expect from Mercedes: beautifully presented, well-built and loaded with tech. The large central screen looks striking, and while the infotainment still takes a moment to wake up at times, once active, it’s intuitive and sharp. The interior trims and upholstery options look and feel high-end, and the pre-entry climate control feature is a thoughtful addition for those wanting the cabin pre-warmed or cooled before hopping in.

While the C350e fills a niche left by rivals, it also hints at a shrinking field for plug-in hybrid sedans. BMW recently axed its 330e PHEV as part of a range simplification, citing reduced demand and a stronger push toward full EVs like the i4. With brands like Volvo also phasing out plug-in models like the S60 Recharge, the C350e risks feeling like a stop-gap solution in a market increasingly skipping hybrid altogether and going straight to electric.

Switching from the GLC 350e to the sedan on the same day, there was an immediate “oh” moment when I realised why the cabin felt less special. The difference came down to the materials. The GLC’s Sienna Brown ARTICO trim had been swapped for black leather in the C-Class. Thankfully, buyers can choose between the two at no extra cost, which is great for those who prefer the warmer, more distinctive look.

In terms of storage, boot space has taken a hit – down by 40 litres due to the rear-mounted battery pack – which could be noticeable for those regularly loading larger items.

The infotainment, though slick to look at, can lag when switching between menus or using voice commands. And like the GLC, the seat adjustment toggles, though premium in feel, take a bit of getting used to.

Charging is another consideration. The standard AC setup is fine for overnight top-ups, but to make the most of its electric capability, buyers will want to invest in the $1500 DC fast-charging option.

The C350e feels like a rare breed these days: a plug-in hybrid sedan in a market shifting rapidly towards full electric SUVs. Rivals like BMW and Volvo have already moved on, discontinuing the BMW 330e and Volvo S60 Recharge as demand fades. That makes this car something of a rarity for the segment, but also a reminder of why plug-in hybrids still make sense for many buyers.

At near price parity with the petrol-powered C300, the C350e removes one of the biggest barriers to hybrid ownership. It delivers genuine luxury, an effortless drive, and efficiency that holds up impressively even when pushed – provided you keep it charged.

For those who aren’t ready to go fully electric but want to future-proof their next sedan, the C350e hits a sweet spot: elegant, refined and surprisingly frugal when used as intended.

2025 Mercedes-Benz C 350e at a glance:
Price: $98,200 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol-electric
Output: 150kW/320Nm (electric motor: 95kW/440Nm)
Combined output: 230kW/550Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Battery: 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery
Range: 104km NEDC
Energy consumption: Unconfirmed
Fuel: 1.5L/100km WLTP
CO2: Unconfirmed
Safety rating: Unrated

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