The all-new Mercedes C-Class debuted back in February to take on the BMW 3 Series. Whereas the outgoing model was available with a range of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, the new C-Class Sedan is only available with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the US. In Germany, however, order books are now open for the first plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation C-Class.

Coupled with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the C-Class PHEV packs an electric motor producing 129 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, bringing the total output to 313 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

This setup enables the C300e Sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the wagon version is 0.1 seconds slower off the line. The sedan will top out at 152 mph, while the wagon's top speed is capped at 149 mph. With an electric range of over 100 km (62 miles), Mercedes is confident that "everyday routes can be covered for the most part purely electrically without using the combustion engine" in the C-Class PHEV, though it's worth noting that Europe's WLTP rating is more generous than America's EPA test.

Based on WLTP ratings, the C-Class PHEV sedan offers an electric-only range of 99-111 km (61-68 miles), while the wagon has an electric range of 95-107 km (59-66 miles). Based on factors such as navigation data, location, speed limits, and traffic conditions, an "intelligent, route-based operating" activates the electric driving mode in certain driving conditions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

In the "D-" driving mode, the C-Class PHEV can be driven with one pedal as the car automatically slows down when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.

The positioning of the battery also makes the C-Class PHEV more practical. The step in the trunk has been removed, and the length of the luggage compartment floor in the wagon has increased by 2.3 inches to 41 inches. Luggage capacity has also increased by 1.6 cubic feet to 12.7. With the rear seats folded down, the wagon has room for 48.5 cubic feet. In Germany, pricing for the C300e Sedan starts at 56,168 euros ($64,989), while the wagon will cost 57,953 euros ($67,060).

The sedan is available now, while the wagon version will arrive in dealerships in December. However, we aren't expecting the PHEV version of the new C-Class to become available in the US.