2020 Mercedes-Benz C300de review (EN) - Diesel PHEV Torque Monster

This week I drive the very quick Mercedes C-Class plug-in hybrid diesel. This C-Class, the W205 is going to be replaced soon by an all-new model, so it's on its way out. However, it's still a tempting buy if you want a very torquey and efficient (if you charge it regularly) small executive sedan to roam around in. It might also make sense as a company car, because since it is a PHEV, it will be taxed lower compared to a non plug-in model.
What dominates the experience of being on board is the mountain of torque that you have access to via your right foot. Prod the pedal all the way down, and you unleash 700 Nm through the rear tires only. Couple that to the fact that half of the torque is instant, courtesy of the electric motor, and you get a remarkably fun electrified car. It has a 13.5 kWh battery pack with a usable capacity of around 11 kWh and its claimed all-electric range is 57 km, although in the real world, you should expect to get as much as 40 km of range in normal driving conditions, especially if you drive it on faster roads.
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Presented, shot and edited by Andrei Nedelea.
Special thanks to Mihai Neagu & Andrei Palade for helping with the shoot.
Instagram - / _aandrein_
Facebook - / andreiatthewheel
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - C300de basics
02:50 - Plug-in hybrids aren't for everyone
04:50 - Torque!
05:29 - Oversteer!
05:48 - Does it handle well?
07:32 - Plug-in hybrids aren't for everyone part2
09:21 - W205 will be replaced soon
10:43 - Tester spec
13:30 - Conclusion

[@triniflyer8685]

I drove the gas version of this this. I don't know how people could complain about power. This thing was a monster. The torque hits hard and is always there regardless of the state of charge. if you are buying this for economy, make sure you do a lot of short city runs and always have the ability to charge it, otherwise just enjoy the combined power and instant torque!

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks for the information, that all sounds sensible. Since posting this video, I have driven the E300e too and while it isn’t quite as punchy as the 300de powertrain, it’s not far off and it sounds better too :)

[@triniflyer8685]

@@OneTireFire weren’t you surprised how punchy this was? 700nm tq is no joke

[@alexandruzainea4591]

best review i could find for this car, and i searched a lot. good job!

[@OneTireFire]

Cheers, thank you for watching!

[@MrPossumies]

If Mercedes would merge v6 diesel and hybrid the torque would be just 📈📈👁👄👁

[@OneTireFire]

Say hello to 1,500 Nm

[@triumphfork9268]

Good review, I’m getting my C300 DE this spring!

[@OneTireFire]

Congrats! It’s a very unique and surprisingly quick C-Class version, on top of all the efficiency gains of the phev.

[@assettobam4880]

Is it reliable?

[@triumphfork9268]

@@assettobam4880 many miles later and not a single problem.

[@linoramalho2291]

@@triumphfork9268I’m considering buying a second hand one. How’s the battery doing so far?

[@HyadumHH]

Good review, keep it going

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks & thank you for watching!

[@InsideEVsUS]

The torque is insane!! - Kyle

[@OneTireFire]

And with the electric motor, most of that torque is instant! This is a burnout machine, but I chose not to include any footage of that in the video :D

[@SaeedKhan-hi6vk]

Hi, so does the electric motor not recharge itself whilst driving? Not sure if should get this or the c300d. I plan to do a mix of motorway and local driving, but I’m not fussed about running it on pure electric, as long as the electric motor is always on hand for when I put my foot down once in a while, will this car suitable for that?

[@OneTireFire]

The car recharges the battery for its plug-in hybrid system on the move, sure. And the electric motor is always on hand to propel the car forward at quite some pace, so it sounds like the car is what you're looking for.

[@egorstebulyanin5313]

Hello ! Great review 😊 I plan to buy one of these. Question is - if I plan to travel 1000+ km on it - will the battery eventually completely deplete during the run, or it gets charged a bit during the diesel-only highway runs ?

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks for watching! The battery in a plug-in hybrid never fully depletes. When it's running very low, the car will automatically start charging it. You have various driving modes to choose from, including one that allows you to set the battery to be charged, say, when you're driving on the highway. It's a great car, you'll have a lot of fun with it. The way this thing pulls is absolutely unmatched.

[@egorstebulyanin5313]

@@OneTireFire thank you ! Keep up the good work 👍

[@adampatel7186]

That torque is crazy. But I imagine the car is way heavier than a c300e or c350e since it’s a diesel so heavier materials, plus the electric motor.

[@OneTireFire]

Yes, exactly, it's what I always say when I drive PHEVs - the big numbers that they show you (electric-only range, combined powertrain power and the claimed fuel consumption) should all get asterisks. And they never mention that the PHEV can sometimes be as much as 200 kg heavier than the comparable pure-ICE variant. I just compared specs and the 300de with just rear-wheel drive is heavier than a C400 with a V6 and AWD... So yeah... Thanks for your comment!

[@ottoman180]

Thanks for the great review. I’m hesitating between this one,a C350e and a bmw 330e (F30). After some diesels I wanted a petrol again. But now I’m doubting. We do 8km/dat during the week and often 400km/weekend. So what would be the best choice in your opinion? I don’t have a fun car anymore so I would like to have some fun while driving as well. I’m afraid the Merc will be too soft (comfy).

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks for watching! I am a big fan of the F30 330e, which feels really strong and still delivers great economy. It's the most fun out of the three you mentioned, but it can't match the 300de's monster torque figure and ability to turn its rear tires into smoke :D. It's also more efficient than the 330e, but nowhere near as good around the bends.

[@ottoman180]

Hmmm hard choice. The G20 (I watched your video) is an option as well but it would be one without an M package and I really think it’s just so much more beautiful with the M package/AMG line.

[@Munna853730]

I have a 530e 2018,also a E300 de 2023 plate , telling you from experience if you want nice drive best performance ,and handling go for bmw 530e or 330e , if you want good economy and beautiful looking car and best spec go for Mercedes diesel plugin hybrid .

[@ottoman180]

@@Munna853730 thanks for your advice. I’m still torned between the BMW and the Mercedes. My heart says BMW but my mind (and wallet 😁) says Merc. It’s in estate which is more convenient in my situation,has more options,is more economical,and diesels tend to last longer than petrol engines… so it will be a Merc C300 de… the heart can’t win all the time.

[@diskman1208]

does the premium (non plus) version have sunroof? thanks

[@OneTireFire]

I don't think so, I'm pretty sure it's optional.

[@NorthernSpartan]

Have you tried the 2022 or 2023 model yet? Im unsure if i wanna buy this one or the bmw 330e. What do you think?

[@OneTireFire]

I have actually tried the new C Class and the 330e (there are videos on the channel). It’s a hard choice, honestly. The new C Class blows the 3 Series out of the water when it comes to the interior, and it’s quite sharp and fun to drive too. The 3 is still the better, more balanced car to drive, though, and it’s a bit more efficient too. Take each for a test drive, see what kind of engine you want and try to test that, then make your decision.

[@dougb27]

I wish we could get this in the us

[@OneTireFire]

They're no longer offering this powertrain on the new C-Class in Europe, so your best bet is to wait for the 25-year rule to come into effect for this car :)

[@BobBrown.]

Why are the tail lights from the pre-facelift model even though this car is clearly the face lift model.

[@OneTireFire]

Even though I was told nothing when I picked up the car from Mercedes, they had been replaced previously for some unknown reason - the car didn’t appear to have been in an accident, so the reason why they were not the facelift lights remains a mystery to this day :)

[@BobBrown.]

@@OneTireFire very weird I have never seen a mix and match of lights before

[@OneTireFire]

Ask me anything about the Mercedes C300de!

[@furiouzzzz]

is it 40km true real-life range on only electric only?

[@OneTireFire]

@@furiouzzzz Only if you drive it gingerly. If you do, then yes, 40 km is achievable in this car. I got it over 30 km without trying too hard, if I remember correctly.

[@christianolsen9781]

I was actually a bit disappointed with the power after seeing all the reviews. It is a very, very nice and comfortable luxury car and driving it pure electric was pure bliss - so well sound insulated. But compared to my 3.0tdi which have 100 less nm torque, it felt a bit winded above 100 km/t which was a surprise.

[@OneTireFire]

​@@christianolsen9781 Well, on paper they are about the same, but since this has an electric motor, there is no lag when you floor it. To me it felt quicker than I expected. I'll have to drive a 3.0 tdi and get back to you on this.

[@sstarboyyysb5475]

@@furiouzzzz 35 km max. But only if you dont speed to much

[@SaeedKhan-hi6vk]

What on your thoughts on c300de saloon Vs the 2019 e220d coupe?

[@OneTireFire]

Well, both are good for slightly different reasons. The C300de is really fast and can drive on battery alone, while the e220d coupe looks amazing both inside and out but it’s nowhere near as quick. Are you considering buying one of these models?

[@SaeedKhan-hi6vk]

@@OneTireFire yeah looking to buy one, see the thing is I was looking at e400d bc I want something abit fun to drive also but it’s out of my budget, not sure if e220d is fun enough to drive, whereas i know the c300de is fast, I prefer the e220d bc of luxury, comfort and looks but is it satisfying enough to drive? Maybe a remap will do the job

[@OneTireFire]

@@SaeedKhan-hi6vk The E220d isn't especially fun to drive, if I'm honest, although I only drove the sedan in that configuration. The only E coupe that I ever drove was the 333-horsepower E400, which was really good but quite expensive.

[@superchargedturbo]

It has the pre-facelift rear taillights?

[@OneTireFire]

No, why did you get that impression?

[@KyrDzn]

One Tire Fire those are the pre facelift taillights tho the facelift ones are two led strips that are C shaped but this is a facelift which kind of confuses me,, regarding all that this is a great car! got to drive one myself back in october and it was a fun weekend trip with this thing!

[@OneTireFire]

@@KyrDzn i still think they are the correct ones for the faceift, with the C-shaped LED details. I have a full high res gallery and written review for this car on insideevs.com - check it out as I have closeup shots of the rear there too.

[@Lukerr239]

@@OneTireFire No, he's absolutely right. Those are the pre-facelift taillights! Mega weird.

[@OneTireFire]

@@Lukerr239 actually, I have double checked myself. They are indeed pre-facelift lights... I have no idea what’s going on with that car which I got from the official Merc press fleet - it was built in early 2020.

[@eloirodrigue650]

Can you, please, tell me what is the estimated total range in km? tks

[@OneTireFire]

Just for electric, with 100% battery, it is not much more than 40 km in the real world, in city driving conditions.

[@eloirodrigue650]

Tks; but I was referring in hybrid mode; letting the car manage between electric and diesel; could reach an autonomy of 1000Km. I was never able to find this information anywhere; Tks, once again

[@OneTireFire]

@@eloirodrigue650 Well, I'm not sure if my math is correct, but since it has a 50 liter fuel tank, if you manage to keep the average consumption just below 5 l/100km, you should theoretically hit the 1,000 km mark. And I think it is possible to have the car use around this much if you drive it on motorways and quicker roads with little traffic. Hope this helps

[@sstarboyyysb5475]

@@eloirodrigue650 not more than 5-600 kilometres with one fully loaded battery+full tank of diesel. My case represents German highway+city driving

[@user-he1xq5jn7e]

Αν τρέχεις με 250km τότε ναι θα σου βγάλει 500 χιλιόμετρα. Αν πας σαν κανονικός άνθρωπος με 120-150 km θα βγάλει 1500 -2000km με ένα ρεζερβουάρ και γεμάτη μπαταρία!! Το έχω κάνει !!

[@andreistefan812]

Does it have Head-Up Display

[@OneTireFire]

Yep, but I don’t remember if my tester had it.

[@moonsapling]

Can it drift, is it fun?

[@OneTireFire]

Yes and yes. It really surprised me on both counts :D

[@SaeedKhan-hi6vk]

Have you drove the e300de? How does that compare with this in regards to driving/fun?

[@OneTireFire]

I only drove the E300e (there's a video of that on the channel), not the diesel. But I can still compare - the E is more relaxed, it has softer suspension and to me it felt less engaging to drive. You can also feel the extra length and weight, so I would always go for a C over an E in this configuration if driving fun was a top priority.

[@SaeedKhan-hi6vk]

Thank you for your response. So I test drove the C300de today and I can certainly see what you mean by torque monster however, the torque peaks between 1400-1800rpm and then drops so although it’s punchy, it’s for a very short while. Also the braking i did feel the weight and the extra braking distance it requires too because that. All in all it’s a brilliant car still, but I’m thinking should I get this or a E400d coupe? From the torque graph it shows the 700nm lasts a longer rpm range plus the interior is a lot more up to date, have you drove one before? And What are your thoughts on it? I’m thinking it won’t be so fuel efficient

[@emrex6977]

How is that possible he ride face lift model with old tail light

[@OneTireFire]

Good eye! Apparently, the car's original facelift rear lights both had water ingress and they failed a few days before I was supposed to pick up the car and in order to have it ready for me to review, they just installed a set of pre-facelift ones that they had in the service. I didn't mention it because the focus of the video is the plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain. Thanks for watching!

[@emrex6977]

@@OneTireFire oh thanks for the explanation.

[@shabzz91]

Would this be good for uber?

[@OneTireFire]

Only if you want to scare your passengers in it - it's really quick and punchy :D

[@shabzz91]

@@OneTireFire what about in the terms of economy and comfort? What would my expected mpg be rather what it says in the car brochure. And would it make sense to use this as an uber?

[@chintetshing1668]

👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@OneTireFire]

🙏🙏🙏✌️✌️✌️