What's the news?
The Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid will cost £39,645 in saloon form and is due to arrive in the UK this November. It boasts economy and CO2 figures that should make it a popular choice for company car drivers.
Exterior
Apart from the badges there is nothing to suggest that this is anything but an ordinary E-Class. To get the full economy benefit customers need to choose the no-cost option of 16-inch wheels, as 17-inch alloys are standard.
Interior
Mercedes has packaged the hybrid components so that they do not intrude upon the E-Class' interior. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery and a Becker Map Pilot navigation system.
Mechanicals
In between the 2.1-litre diesel engine and seven-speed automatic gearbox is a slim electric motor. This can provide extra power when the driver needs it; the car can also run as a pure electric vehicle for short distances and the motor is used as a generator to replenish the batteries under braking. In total the E 300 Hybrid can call on 233hp (206hp from diesel, 27hp from electricity).
Anything else?
Official fuel economy and CO2 figures are 65.7mpg and 109g/km. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes a claimed 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 150mph. If you need more load space Mercedes also does an E 300 BlueTec Hybrid estate for £41,435.
John Lambert - 7 Aug 2012