Mercedes-Benz has begun taking orders for the C350 e plug-in hybrid in Germany, with prices starting from €50,961.75 ($58,028) for the Saloon and €52,627.75 ($60,243) for the Estate (including VAT).

The C350 e has a certified combined fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg US or 134.5 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 48 g/km (49 g/km for the Estate), while offering a driving range of up to 31 km in all-electric mode.

The hybrid system consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 208hp (211PS), a 60kW electric motor and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 6.38 kWh. Recharging the battery takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes at a wallbox and around two hours via a socket.

Combined system output is 275hp (279PS) and 600Nm (442lb-ft) of torque, which allows the C350 e sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The C350 e Estate is slightly slower, covering the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds and reaching 246 km/h (153 mph). Both models are fitted as standard with the 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment also includes air suspension and a pre-entry climate control system, which can be controlled via the internet.

In terms of styling, the C350 e comes as standard with the Avantgarde exterior equipment line which includes a sports radiator grille with centrally positioned star. However, both the Saloon and Estate versions are also available with the Exclusive exterior equipment line with a classic radiator grille and three-pointed star on the bonnet, at no extra cost.

The Mercedes-Benz C350 e will arrive in German dealerships from March 2015.

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