Manufacturers are rushing to launch electrified versions of their cars, and the Mercedes A-Class is one of the most desirable yet. Badged A 250 e, it looks just as good inside and out as the regular car, but boasts the advantage of an official 257mpg fuel-efficiency figure.
That's thanks to its large 15.6kWh battery pack and electric motor, making it possible to drive for up to 37 miles before the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is needed. Trifling tailpipe emissions of 37g/km will make it compelling for company-car drivers who pay tax based on CO2-based Benefit-in-Kind bands.
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© Provided by Car BuyerMercedes A 250 e hatchback front 3/4 tracking
With 215bhp from the combined efforts of the engine and motor, the A 250 e is also pretty quick, getting from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. In electric mode, it'll let you accelerate quite briskly too, up to a top speed of 87mph before the petrol engine kicks in. Power is fed to the front wheels by an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be a little jerky, even in electric-only mode. Handling is confidence-inspiring, with plenty of grip and reactive steering, despite the extra weight of the hybrid powertrain.
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© Provided by Car BuyerMercedes A 250 e hatchback rear 3/4 tracking
Available in AMG Line trim, or Executive, Premium and Premium Plus, the A 250 e is well-equipped from the off, with alloy wheels and LED headlights. Interior quality is first-rate, and looks especially good when two 12.3-inch screens are fitted side-by-side across the dashboard. Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system will feel familiar to smartphone users, with a similar interface and voice controls that use artificial intelligence to recognise questions like "Where's the nearest Italian restaurant?".
We know safety is up to scratch thanks to a five-star Euro NCAP crash test result. Reliability is still unknown, and respondents to our Driver Power survey tend to find Mercedes servicing rather expensive.