The new compact generation of the Stella now also becomes electric on tap with the 1.3-liter petrol engine bathed in the electric unit. The price starts at around 42 thousand euros
by Giulia Paganoni
(Daimler AG)
The new compact generation of the Stella now also becomes electric on tap with the 1.3-liter petrol engine bathed in the electric unit. The price starts at around 42 thousand euros
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Technological and green. Class A updates the offer by offering the plug-in rechargeable hybrid version, the A 250e Eq Power, with an autonomy of about 60 kilometers (WLTP cycle) in 100% electric mode thanks to the lithium-ion battery with 15.6 kWh capacity.
The double engine for a total of 218 hp The A250e Eq Power is recognizable by the double filler flap. On the right side the charging socket and on the left side for petrol. Under the hood hides a very efficient gasoline thermal engine alongside an electric with lithium ion battery with greater autonomy than its competitors. The Class A challenges the electrified premium compact for on-board hi-tech and, now, also with the unit under the hood. The four-cylinder petrol engine (developed in collaboration with Renault) has a power of 160 hp which, combined with the 75 kW electric powertrain (integrated inside the 8G-Dct dual clutch gearbox), reaches 218 hp (160 kW) and 450 Nm overall. A pair that we have found convincing. The thermal had already been evaluated as elastic and gritty and, now, with the help of the electric has improved even more the performance in acceleration from a standstill (0-100 km / h in 6.6 seconds) and in shooting. The maximum achievable speed is 235 km / h. In a mixed context we found (according to the on-board computer) a consumption of 6 liters / 100 km and emissions (declared by the manufacturer) of 33-35 g / km.
Four driving modes The car’s character also changes according to the four selectable driving modes: electric, with which you travel 100% electric until the driver presses the accelerator all the way down (kick-down). Furthermore, with the electric program it is possible to select energy recovery with the paddles behind the steering wheel by setting five different recovery levels. In comfort mode, the heat engine and the electric motor work together. The start of the thermal one is; sport, which uses only the thermal mode, also making the car and steering more rigid and indiviadual.
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The traction is always only front and accuses a bit of understeer especially with wet / wet surfaces.
Charging: about 2 hours for full energy The compact three-pointed star can be recharged with alternating or direct current. The socket is located on the right side of the car. When connected to a 7.4 kW alternating current (AC) wallbox, these compact plug-in hybrid models go from 10% to 100% charge (SoC) in 1 hour 45 minutes. Charging in 24 kW direct current (DC) takes about 25 minutes to bring the charge level from 10 to 80%. The batteries are supplied by Deutsche Accumotive, a 100% subsidiary of Daimler. The high voltage battery is water cooled and weighs about 150 kg.