I just ordered a lease on a 2021 A250e AMG and I’m paying about 3500 SEK (eq. of 550 Aus $) a month which I think is quite priceworthy. The way I usually drive, I’ll will hardly have to fill up any petrol at all. I’m really psyched😀
I haven't seen a Mercedes with manually adjustable seats for some decades in Luxembourg... that's crazy. My wife just bought that car as a sedan here and it came with electric seats, seat heating, seat air ventilation and all the stuff I have in my CLS (like the a-class she had before).
Great video as always mate, just to add my 2 cents ,I have been a tesla owner and also a Mercedes owner the best thing is the Tesla since two years I haven't had any service cost recent two year optional service cost was 289$ which was mostly cabin air filter wiper blades and general checkup. If there was no range anxiety then EV's. Are the way to if you treat it as a phone which you just plugin once home for daily driving Tesla is the best and the amount of software updates and features you get ,you will never have that exictment in a Mercedes even after 2yrs of ownership . Would be great if Mercedes makes it full EV with the range of eqc,the only drawback of Tesla is the fit and finish which Mercedes has
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I agree with you that the EV maintenance experience is awesome -- far fewer moving parts to go wrong! Servicing on the A 250 e is $2,050 for a three-year pack -- quite a lot more expensive to maintain. In fact, to me, this car's biggest problem is the existence of the Model 3 Standard Range Plus which is only a few thousand $ more expensive. However, I don't think many buyers would cross shop the A 250 e and the Model 3. I think this A-Class will be bought by existing Mercedes-Benz owners who want a little runabout that will let them sample EV charging while still having the peace of mind of a combustion engine in reserve.
Agree. If only Tesla can get their act together and offer a decent fit and finish. Unfortunately, the TH-cam is littered with videos of Tesla owners telling their unhappy experience of Tesla F&F quality or rather the lack thereof.
Nice video mate, the A class designed I think is a city car and the odd occasion on a long road trip. The lack of IRS is due lack of space to fit a full multi links setup.
Agreed. Only problem being that IRS helps deliver a more compliant and quieter ride in the city as well! Still, I appreciate that the battery had to go somewhere and that meant a torsion beam was the only way.
Strangely, UK spec cars have the rear vents! What were they thinking, you can normally count the number of days in a year the temperature gets above 35 deg on one hand. D'oh
I´ve seen so many reviews of the A250e by now that this did not impress me. It looks like you got a base model and you judge the cars equipment from this. I have never before seen a A250e with out air vents in the back, the presenter should know that this exists. Also I dont think someone wanting to buy a Mercedes would consider a Tesla. Where I live you can get a used EQE at only 10-20k USD more then a used A250e. Id rather have the quality of a Merc then the hp of a Tesla.
PHEV is a good transitional car for people who intend to go full EV in the near future But there are also lots of cheaper alternative than luxury brand in the market today
Agree. The charging network in Australia isn't there yet to make daily EV use super-convenient. We are getting there! For now, it's easy to see why a PHEV setup is compelling.
VW Golf id3 when we get it would be my choice if I had to have an EV or maybe the Mini if we get it. A class with cream interior looks nice but no rear vents in our climate annoys me but in sedan or hatch form I like its design but far too pricey in this form imho
id3 interior is really budget unfortunately - not really the same target market. I've looked at both but will prob go for a250e as the range is fine for me.
So how does that touch pad compared to Lexus's? They way you glossed over it makes it seem like it's easier/better compared to your thoughts on the Lexus set-up.
@@chasingcars I do hope car manufacturers can offer more regular fuel-efficient vehicles, including regular hybrid or diesel cars as they are way easier to use.
Toyota and Lexus are the main proponents of series-parallel hybrid (which they call "self charging"), but there is some activity in this space - Hyundai and Kia are getting in on it. Most of the other manufacturers are keen to skip this step and go straight to PHEV, but in some ways they're actually worse, because you really have to lean in and do the work yourself. With series-parallel the car figures it all out for you. Sure, the theoretical economy gains aren't as good -- but even if you do nothing, and are really lazy, you still get great economy and lower emissions!
For me, the A35 - it's a really accomplished little hot hatch and a comparison winner here on Chasing Cars. If Benz had managed to package the A250e with IRS, I'd love it more. I'm just so sensitive to ride quality (as you'd imagine, doing this job!). I will point out though that spec-for-spec there is about a $15K difference between the A35 and the A250e - the A35 gets expensive once you stick a few choice options onto it!
The Model 3 makes much more sense if you want a full BEV. But if you are a Benz / German brand fan and you want a compact, city-sized PHEV - well, here you go!
Show me a bigger wrip off? 69k for an A-class, not even an AMG, let that just sink in...and no heated/cooled seats and manual adjustment, 10k cheaper than a Tesla, Merc in Oz are a joke.
And torsion beam rear suspension to add insult to injury. This suspension is not available for kia Cerato GT which uses multi link. And it costs half as much.
Nice review Tom. I can't help but wonder if this is simply just a ego flex tool for the wealthy to feel better about themselves. At $70,000 the people who can afford this need not care about the price of fuel, be it fossil or electric, regardless of how many miles they do the fuel cost will be so insignificant to their disposable income it is simply irrelevant. There is no incentive in Au to go electric anyway, unlike the UK and US the Au Gov doesn't support EV's.
It isn’t a value play but not everything has to be. I firmly believe this car is designed for people who already like Mercedes-Benz - they probably already have at least one Benz, likely an SUV - and they want to give electrification a go without sacrificing the brand they like, changing infotainment systems, changing dealers, all sorts of conveniences that mean a lot to some people. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. If anything, it will show a group of people that electric motoring can be great - people who might not have otherwise given it a try so soon.
Mark, I struggle with that. This car has an electric motor and a battery that is charged by mains power and can drive for 50km in the real world. Yes, it has a combustion engine, but I think it is hard to argue with the fact that the A 250 e has an electric powertrain. I would agree with you when it comes to series-parallel hybrid (like a RAV4 Hybrid) - that isn't "electric" as it can't really move more than a very short distance on electric power alone.
Best quality Aussie car review channel
Thanks, I appreciate that!
*Huge Company Car Tax benefits in the UK - bet most will never **_plug them in_** !*
The petrol engine on this is like a lawnmower, shocking! I charge mine just to avoid using it.
I just ordered a lease on a 2021 A250e AMG and I’m paying about 3500 SEK (eq. of 550 Aus $) a month which I think is quite priceworthy. The way I usually drive, I’ll will hardly have to fill up any petrol at all. I’m really psyched😀
I haven't seen a Mercedes with manually adjustable seats for some decades in Luxembourg... that's crazy. My wife just bought that car as a sedan here and it came with electric seats, seat heating, seat air ventilation and all the stuff I have in my CLS (like the a-class she had before).
Great video 👌I've just ordered the A250e hatchback premium plus, through my works salary sacrifice scheme 👌🏴💥
Great video as always mate, just to add my 2 cents ,I have been a tesla owner and also a Mercedes owner the best thing is the Tesla since two years I haven't had any service cost recent two year optional service cost was 289$ which was mostly cabin air filter wiper blades and general checkup. If there was no range anxiety then EV's. Are the way to if you treat it as a phone which you just plugin once home for daily driving Tesla is the best and the amount of software updates and features you get ,you will never have that exictment in a Mercedes even after 2yrs of ownership . Would be great if Mercedes makes it full EV with the range of eqc,the only drawback of Tesla is the fit and finish which Mercedes has
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I agree with you that the EV maintenance experience is awesome -- far fewer moving parts to go wrong! Servicing on the A 250 e is $2,050 for a three-year pack -- quite a lot more expensive to maintain. In fact, to me, this car's biggest problem is the existence of the Model 3 Standard Range Plus which is only a few thousand $ more expensive. However, I don't think many buyers would cross shop the A 250 e and the Model 3. I think this A-Class will be bought by existing Mercedes-Benz owners who want a little runabout that will let them sample EV charging while still having the peace of mind of a combustion engine in reserve.
Agree. If only Tesla can get their act together and offer a decent fit and finish. Unfortunately, the TH-cam is littered with videos of Tesla owners telling their unhappy experience of Tesla F&F quality or rather the lack thereof.
Very well presented :) Great review.
Nice video mate, the A class designed I think is a city car and the odd occasion on a long road trip. The lack of IRS is due lack of space to fit a full multi links setup.
Agreed. Only problem being that IRS helps deliver a more compliant and quieter ride in the city as well! Still, I appreciate that the battery had to go somewhere and that meant a torsion beam was the only way.
I have the a250e AMG package in the UK and it comes with multi links setup. I can say it makes a huge difference to the ride comfort.
Strangely, UK spec cars have the rear vents! What were they thinking, you can normally count the number of days in a year the temperature gets above 35 deg on one hand. D'oh
I´ve seen so many reviews of the A250e by now that this did not impress me.
It looks like you got a base model and you judge the cars equipment from this.
I have never before seen a A250e with out air vents in the back, the presenter should know that this exists.
Also I dont think someone wanting to buy a Mercedes would consider a Tesla.
Where I live you can get a used EQE at only 10-20k USD more then a used A250e.
Id rather have the quality of a Merc then the hp of a Tesla.
69K AUS. To USD is $49K you can Technically buy a Tesla model 3 here for $35K and up.
PHEV is a good transitional car for people who intend to go full EV in the near future But there are also lots of cheaper alternative than luxury brand in the market today
Agree. The charging network in Australia isn't there yet to make daily EV use super-convenient. We are getting there! For now, it's easy to see why a PHEV setup is compelling.
VW Golf id3 when we get it would be my choice if I had to have an EV or maybe the Mini if we get it. A class with cream interior looks nice but no rear vents in our climate annoys me but in sedan or hatch form I like its design but far too pricey in this form imho
id3 interior is really budget unfortunately - not really the same target market. I've looked at both but will prob go for a250e as the range is fine for me.
So how does that touch pad compared to Lexus's? They way you glossed over it makes it seem like it's easier/better compared to your thoughts on the Lexus set-up.
*It's great for left handed drivers, rarely use it [right handed/RHD] and prefer controls on wheel*
I have a lexus and the touchpad is a NIGHTMARE as the screen isn't touchscreen
The interior looks amazing.
*It is, got a AMG Top Level Line which has Multi-Link Rear Suspension, so much better.*
It is. Got a A 200.
How did it compare to XC40 hybrid,?similar money I think
XC40 is roomier, and more comfortable - but it doesn’t travel quite as far on electric power alone and can’t do DC fast charging.
Great review 👍
Thanks Freddy.
70k is a lot of money buddy. I don't know how much you earn but don't make 70k sound cheap?
Bought one 😄
70k for an A class? Can't you get a 2020 C43 AMG for about 60k?
Not in Australian dollars you can’t
Aussie dollars C43 is around $130K
Nice video!
And, you uploaded this video at the same time as the CarsGuide.com
But this video is WAY better!
Battle of the Toms in our two videos...
@@jwn851 Definitely, this comes with more fun.
@@chasingcars I do hope car manufacturers can offer more regular fuel-efficient vehicles, including regular hybrid or diesel cars as they are way easier to use.
Toyota and Lexus are the main proponents of series-parallel hybrid (which they call "self charging"), but there is some activity in this space - Hyundai and Kia are getting in on it. Most of the other manufacturers are keen to skip this step and go straight to PHEV, but in some ways they're actually worse, because you really have to lean in and do the work yourself. With series-parallel the car figures it all out for you. Sure, the theoretical economy gains aren't as good -- but even if you do nothing, and are really lazy, you still get great economy and lower emissions!
250e or A35?
For me, the A35 - it's a really accomplished little hot hatch and a comparison winner here on Chasing Cars. If Benz had managed to package the A250e with IRS, I'd love it more. I'm just so sensitive to ride quality (as you'd imagine, doing this job!). I will point out though that spec-for-spec there is about a $15K difference between the A35 and the A250e - the A35 gets expensive once you stick a few choice options onto it!
@@chasingcars great! I just bought an A35. Your review and comparison videos has been super helpful in the process
All was good until....torsion beam was mentioned 😪
$75k for a Tesla Model 3 instead of this. Surely this Phev is not a value proposition? Also - great review as always Tom!
The Model 3 makes much more sense if you want a full BEV. But if you are a Benz / German brand fan and you want a compact, city-sized PHEV - well, here you go!
$70k hybrid with manual adjusting seats! 🤣 Come on Mercedes, don’t be so fuc*king tight!
69k for manual adjustment seats. Ok bruh 😎
Yeah, that is a big ask.
It’s not $70,000 it’s more like $50,000
Show me a bigger wrip off? 69k for an A-class, not even an AMG, let that just sink in...and no heated/cooled seats and manual adjustment, 10k cheaper than a Tesla, Merc in Oz are a joke.
And torsion beam rear suspension to add insult to injury. This suspension is not available for kia Cerato GT which uses multi link. And it costs half as much.
@@mmikee407 My thoughts exactly, you beat me to it. Cerato GT is half the price with WAY more kit.
@@MrBenHaynes 🙏🏽👍🏽
Nice review Tom. I can't help but wonder if this is simply just a ego flex tool for the wealthy to feel better about themselves. At $70,000 the people who can afford this need not care about the price of fuel, be it fossil or electric, regardless of how many miles they do the fuel cost will be so insignificant to their disposable income it is simply irrelevant. There is no incentive in Au to go electric anyway, unlike the UK and US the Au Gov doesn't support EV's.
It isn’t a value play but not everything has to be. I firmly believe this car is designed for people who already like Mercedes-Benz - they probably already have at least one Benz, likely an SUV - and they want to give electrification a go without sacrificing the brand they like, changing infotainment systems, changing dealers, all sorts of conveniences that mean a lot to some people. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. If anything, it will show a group of people that electric motoring can be great - people who might not have otherwise given it a try so soon.
One incentive is that Australia only has about 4 weeks stockpile of fuel, 50klms range isn’t much but it would get most people around local running
Why would you want leather.. it's an electric car." I really want to save the environment but who cares about animals." Ok.
*So you eat a Cow and throwaway the skin ?*
Good car that I won't buy. Too pricey for what it is and I don't suffer badge anxieties. The piano gloss plastic is plain horrible and cheap looking.
Fair enough!
Toyota corolla hybrid is a lot cheaper
True -- but no plug-in ability!
@@chasingcars I heard rumors its under development
But its still a Toyota. I drive a A-class and a Toyota Corolla is not on my list at all....
Lol Toyota Corrolla
Hybrid is not electric
Mark, I struggle with that. This car has an electric motor and a battery that is charged by mains power and can drive for 50km in the real world. Yes, it has a combustion engine, but I think it is hard to argue with the fact that the A 250 e has an electric powertrain. I would agree with you when it comes to series-parallel hybrid (like a RAV4 Hybrid) - that isn't "electric" as it can't really move more than a very short distance on electric power alone.
Manual adjustment at that price is just penny pinching should be standard..
Yes, total agreement there.