Over recent years Mercedes has expanded its plug-in hybrid offerings, giving buyers who aren’t ready to make the jump to full electric a useful stepping stone. Aimed largely at the company car driver looking to reduce their Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax bills, the range features one of the broadest line-ups of body styles, from a four-door coupe to an estate-style Shooting Brake. But which is best?  

A250e saloon and hatchback

Mercedes’ most compact A-Class offerings have proved popular with British buyers over the years. The current A-Class line-up may be a world apart from the ground-breaking ultra-compact hatchback that first wore the A badge way back in 1996, but there’s no doubt that the current, rather more conventional saloon and hatchback have broader appeal with buyers. The hatch is arguably the more contemporary of the two and is certainly the more practical thanks to its large tailgate aperture and 345-litre boot. 

Both models feature interiors that exude a typical Mercedes premium feel, with high-quality materials and a focus on driver-centric design. The MBUX infotainment system, a hallmark of Mercedes, takes centre stage, providing a user-friendly interface and a wealth of connectivity options.  

While both models offer a comfortable and spacious front cabin, rear occupants might find the saloon slightly more cramped, particularly in terms of headroom. Ultimately, the choice between the hatchback and saloon boils down to individual priorities: style versus substance.

The A250e pairs a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 272bhp. Powered by a modest 13kWh battery, the A250e boasts a claimed WLTP electric range of up to 54 miles, meaning that some drivers will be able to complete their daily commute on electric power only.

For longer journeys, the petrol engine seamlessly kicks in, offering flexibility for those who don't want to stop and charge. When it comes to charging, the A250e accepts DC rapid charging at speeds of up to 22kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be achieved in around 30 minutes, ideal for those on the move. AC charging peaks at a rather low 3.7kW, and means that a full charge from empty to full takes around 4.5 hours. 

While the A250e prioritises efficiency over outright performance, it delivers a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds, ensuring a reasonably brisk driving experience. And despite being the brand’s most compact offerings, it still rides and handles like a larger Mercedes with decent noise and bump suppression and accurate steering. 

​Click here to arrange a test drive of your Mercedes plug-in hybrid.

CLA 250e Coupe

If the hatch and saloon are a little too grown-up for you, Mercedes has helpfully added a four-door Coupe to the range. Like the other models, it can be specified with Mercedes’ plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, to deliver punchy acceleration and the ability to cover shorter commutes on electric power alone – ideal for emissions-free urban driving. The total power output of the engine and motor is a healthy 272bhp, which is more than enough for what is a relatively light and compact car. 

While the official WLTP electric range is up to 50 miles, depending on driving conditions, the CLA 250e's real strength lies in its ability to seamlessly switch between electric and petrol power. This can be particularly useful on longer journeys, ensuring you don't get caught short. Yes, there are models out there with bigger batteries than the 250e’s 13kWh pack, but the fact that it has 22kW DC charging in addition to 3.7kW AC charging means drivers can take advantage of the big number of public rapid chargers that use the CCS connector.

Inside, the CLA features Mercedes' usual high-quality finishes and a well-equipped cabin. The infotainment system features clear graphics and integrates seamlessly with a smartphone for remote services. The dual-screen setup dominates the dashboard, providing a modern and intuitive interface. However, practicality takes a back seat to style. The sloping roofline and coupe silhouette compromise rear headroom, making the CLA less accommodating for taller passengers. Boot space, while adequate for most needs, is hindered by the car's shape, making it trickier to load larger items. Ultimately, the CLA 250e Coupe offers a decent blend of style and technology, but practicality is not its strong suit.

CLA 250e Shooting Brake

If you prefer an estate over an SUV, they don’t come much better than the CLA Shooting Brake. Yes, despite the slightly odd name (it refers back to the 1890s when British shooting parties created a special horse-drawn cart to carry their guns), the Shooting Brake is basically an estate, or longboi, version of the A-Class saloon.  

Like all other Mercedes models with the 250e badge, the CLA Shooting Brake features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that consists of a 1.3-litre petrol engine and an electric motor for a combined power output of 272bhp - 163bhp of which comes from the petrol engine and 109bhp from the electric motor. The 13kWh battery delivers a claimed WLTP electric range of 49 miles. While that’s not the highest figure in the sector, it still means that company car drivers will only pay 8% in Benefit-in-Kind tax (2024-2025). And although the real world range is likely to be just under 40 miles, most short haul trips will be possible in electric-only mode. Unusually for a PHEV, the charging system comes with a CCS connector, which means drivers can recharge at a public rapid charge point. The only downside is that the charging speed peaks at just 22kW. AC charging peaks at 3.7kW, meaning an empty-to-full charge will take 4.5 hours.

Step inside and the cabin is typically Mercedes: a mix of opulence and technology. The twin 10.25-inch screens dominate the dash, offering a visually impressive but sometimes overly complex interface. While the Shooting Brake boasts a larger boot than its saloon sibling, practicality takes a back seat to style. Rear headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline, and the boot, though adequate at 440 litres, doesn't quite match the capacious offerings of some rivals. It’s a car that prioritises looks over outright usability, a trade-off many owners will be willing to make.

To arrange a test drive in the PHEV of your choice click here.