Earlier this week, BMW Malaysia launched the G20 generation 2020 BMW 330e, marking a return of the locally-assembled, plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series.

Kitted with M Sport package, the 330e is priced at RM 264,413 without SST, valid until 31-December 2020. With the resumption of SST, prices will increase to RM 268,800.

Mercedes-Benz’s equivalent to the 330e is the C300e. On paper, the C300e packs more power than the 330e, with a combined system output of 320 PS (DIN hp) versus the BMW’s 292 PS.

The C300e also packs a bigger 13.5 kWh battery, versus the 330e’s 12 kWh. It has a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the BMW.

The C300e was formerly known as the C350e (pre-facelift model), which was launched in Malaysia in 2017 in three trim lines, priced from RM 289,888 to RM 299,888. It was only a fleeting affair as the model was discontinued in 2018.

Malaysia’s vague customized incentives didn’t make things easier and without long-term directions with regards to EEV incentives, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia could no longer commit any to further local assembly of plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs), and pulled the plug on both the C350e and E350e. The locally-assembled S560e however, remains on sale.

In 2019, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) hosted a preview of the new C300e but was careful to emphasize that the model was presented only as a technological showcase, and there were no immediate plans to introduce the C300e to Malaysia.

When asked if this is still the case even after the 330e is launched in Malaysia, MBM reiterated that there no plans to introduce the C300e here.

Without incentives, prices of a fully-imported C300e would be too high. Artificially boosted demand due to tax cuts aside, MBM says there is not enough (genuine) demand for PHEVs at the moment.

“Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has one of the most extensive portfolios of vehicles in the market, catering to a wide variety of customers. We will continuously evaluate our portfolio to offer the best product mix and will introduce plug-in hybrid models where we see adequate demand,” said the company’s spokesperson.

Currently, the locally-assembled C-Class range tops out at RM 401,114, without SST, for the Mercedes-AMG C43. Non-AMG models top out at RM 293,800 for the C300 AMG Line.