Mercedes-Benz has today announced that its latest plug-in hybrid, the B250e, has gone on sale in the UK. Prices for the ‘AMG Line Executive’ start from £35,280; the ‘Premium’ trim costs £36,780, while the ‘AMG Line Premium Plus’ sits at £38,280.
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The B250e features a 1.3-litre petrol engine, which generates 117 kW (158 hp) and 230 Nm of torque, where an additional 75 kW (101 hp) and 330 Nm of torque is generated from its electric motor. An eight gear dual-clutch transmission comes as standard.
Its 10.6 kWh battery gives it an all-electric range of 42 miles; its battery can be recharged using a 7.4 kW Type 2 charger. As a result, the B250e delivers up to 235.4 combined mpg and emits 27 g/km of CO2.
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The ‘AMG Line Executive’ comes with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, with the ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant; privacy glass; heated front seats; thermotropic climate control; 18″ five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery; smartphone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; 10.25″ media display; Parking package; Mirror package; and wireless charging.
For an additional £1,500, the ‘AMG Line Premium’ adds a 10.25″ digital cockpit; augmented reality for navigation; Keyless-Go locking and unlocking; ambient lighting, with a choice of 64 colours; illuminated doorsills with Mercedes-Benz lettering; and Mercedes-Benz’s advanced sound system.
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The range-topping ‘AMG Line Premium Plus’ that starts from £38,280, adds a panoramic sunroof; Multibeam LED headlights; memory seats for driver and front passenger; and Traffic Sign Assist.
The only standalone option for the B250e – available on ‘AMG Line Premium Plus’ only – is the £1,495 Driving Assistance package. Driving Assistance includes Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Braking Assist with cross-traffic function; Active Distance Assist Distronic; Active Emergency Stop Assist; Active Lane-change Assist; Active Speed Limit Assist; Active Steering Assist; Evasive Steering Assist; Pre-Safe Plus; and route-based speed adaptation.
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Given the B250e AMG Line Hatchback emits just 27 g/km of CO2 (WLTP), and has an all-electric range of 42 miles, in the 2020-21 tax year company car drivers will only pay 6% BIK tax. For 20% of taxpayers, this means just £12 per month.
