Mercedes A250e : The plugged‑in plug‑in hybrid compact

The plugged‑in plug‑in hybrid compact

Mercedes A250e EQ‑Power, the most connected of the plug‑in hybrid compact sedans.

Driving a car has become, for many of us, something completely ordinary. A daily habit that, without us noticing, becomes an extension of ourselves. For a few years now, a phenomenon has been taking place. A slow shift in mindset. In the past, we would have asked what we drive. Today, it’s more about how we drive.

Plug‑in hybrid: a response to electromobility

A shift in thinking within the automotive world with the introduction of the concept of electromobility. The reasons are numerous: environmental preservation; driving comfort; savings in usage costs… The share of electrification in manufacturers’ lineups is growing. Fully electric, hybrid, or plug‑in hybrid — these technologies have become essential to meet the increasing demand from consumer‑drivers. It is this last category that we focused on at Test e Car to evaluate how well this technology meets everyday needs.

A250e EQ‑Power: electric use for everyday driving

We chose to test one of the best‑sellers in the highly competitive plug‑in hybrid compact segment: the Mercedes A250e EQ‑Power. How does this German model, on the market for just over a year, meet the expectations of daily electromobility as we understand it today?

Is this Mercedes suitable for everyday use? That’s the question we set out to answer behind the wheel. Whether you’re a long‑distance driver or simply navigating the city, its hybrid powertrain is a concentration of positives. The Mercedes A250e EQ‑Power plug‑in hybrid delivers up to 218 hp of combined power. It pairs a 1.3‑liter petrol engine — originally from Renault, by the way — producing 160 hp, with a 75 kW electric motor. A combination that provides strong acceleration and a high top speed, well beyond legal limits.

140 km in full electric mode

But for drivers who want to maximize the electric efficiency of this Mercedes A250e EQ‑Power, the car can reach 140 km/h in full electric “zero‑emission silence.” An impressive feat for a 1,680‑kg vehicle.

Is this Mercedes suitable for everyday use? The car reveals features that confirm it. Despite a substantial 150‑kg battery, the pack offers 15.6 kWh. Mercedes claims a range of nearly 70 km in electric mode. To be honest, if your use of this A250e EQ‑Power is more urban than highway, or for professional city trips or journeys under 15 km, you might achieve it — provided you adopt a smooth driving style and avoid overusing the right pedal.

An “eco” mode that allows the A250e EQ‑Power to behave like a fully electric car.

In this spirit of “reasoned” driving, it is recommended to use “eco mode,” which analyzes and manages driving conditions in real time (for both electric and petrol). The car then coasts with regenerative braking. However, the regeneration management can be surprising. During deceleration phases, regeneration can only be adjusted in “electric mode” using the paddles behind the steering wheel, and it does not provide very strong slowing. Moreover, it does not operate down to a complete stop.

The A250e EQ‑Power is comfortable outside the city

On country roads or highways, power is well distributed and the handling is reassuring, despite the extra 150 kg from the batteries. The four‑cylinder engine plays its part, and the combined 218 hp is enjoyable. This petrol/electric combination allows for an average fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km, which is quite significant, even if far from the 1.5 L/100 km claimed by Mercedes.

Very good interior space for Mercedes’ plug‑in hybrid compact

Inside, all the equipment is of excellent quality. Digital gauges behind the steering wheel. And above all, the digital panel, longer than in previous versions, which manages engine settings and electric‑driving functions, as well as all infotainment features.

In terms of interior space, the A250e EQ‑Power offers pleasant features. Four adults and one child can sit comfortably. Note that rear legroom is quite good for a compact car. For long journeys or waiting in traffic, in electric mode, the driver’s seat — equipped with an extendable cushion (up to 6 cm) — can adapt to both small and very tall drivers thanks to multiple electric adjustments.

Storage space reduced due to the battery

As for the trunk, with 370 liters of volume (1,210 liters with seats folded), long trips can be planned without worry. However, the trunk volume is reduced by about sixty liters due to the battery pack underneath. This results in a high loading sill and no spare wheel — not even a space‑saver. You’ll have to make do with a repair kit and a compressor…

A250e EQ‑Power: a solid plug‑in hybrid compromise

For those seeking a balance of power and comfort in daily driving, this Mercedes gets the job done. If you drive many kilometers for work and/or spend time in the city, with recognized quality, this Mercedes is for you. If you have a family, you’ll have plenty of room. Loyal fans of the star‑brand won’t feel out of place. For those less familiar and wanting to learn more, this A250e EQ‑Power combines comfort and interior space, making it one of the flagship models in the plug‑in hybrid segment.

How to charge this Mercedes A250e EQ‑Power?

The A250e EQ‑Power includes an AC charger (7.4 kW) and a fast DC charger (24 kW). A full charge takes 1h45 with a 7.4 kW Wallbox, or just 25 minutes to recover 80% range on a 24 kW fast‑charging station. On a standard household outlet (2.3 kW), a 0–100% charge takes about 8 hours. For home charging installation, Mercedes‑Benz partners with Proxiserve, whether in shared buildings or individual homes. For professional use, a tailored study is conducted. For outdoor charging, DC charging is available via the CCS combo port found on networks such as IONITY or Total EV Charge.

With this Mercedes A250e, you can use the “Mercedes me Charge” service. It allows easy charging and payment at public stations. It provides access to more than 25,000 public charging points in France — in cities, parking lots, highways, shopping centers — including the Ionity fast‑charging network. The service is also available internationally. Thanks to the optimized onboard navigation system, finding charging stations is simple (and travel time can be optimized with route planning that includes charging stops).
Access to charging stations is done via the “Mercedes me Charge” RFID card, the “Mercedes me” app, or directly from the vehicle. Payment is integrated with simplified billing and a monthly summary.

How to finance the purchase of a Mercedes A250e?

• Option 1: traditional credit

Set up a traditional loan with Mercedes‑Benz Financing. A down payment from 0 to 80% of the vehicle’s sale price and a contract duration (12 to 72 months for a new vehicle, 12 to 60 months for a used one). Or set up a loan through your own bank.

• Option 2 : rental with an option to purchase

The rental with purchase option (LOA) Facility, a customizable formula from Mercedes-Benz-Financement. (Fixing the duration of the contract (from 13 to 37 months for a new vehicle and from 13 to 48 months for a used vehicle), the mileage and the amount of the contribution to the subscription of the contract. Reduced rents compared to the classic LOA.

The purchase option is determined as soon as the contract is signed: the distributor can take it back for a known value from the order. Insurance and custom-made services can be included to enjoy your vehicle.

At the end of the contract: either the vehicle is returned, and we can leave with another vehicle (see manufacturers’ conditions), or the purchase option must be paid for (or financed) in order to become owner.

• Possibility 3: long-term rental

Long-term rental allows you to pay only for the actual use of the vehicle. Monthly payments leave a financial leeway while you can drive a new car. The choice of contract is possible (13 to 48 months) and mileage, depending on needs. Insurance and custom-made services can be included to take advantage of your vehicle. Return of the vehicle at the end of the contract.

A test carried out in collaboration with LG Rent – Groupe Monopole Automobiles Mercedes.
151 Chemin de la Passion Vella 66100 Perpignan
www.lg-automobiles.com