Mercedes E300 Hybrid: cheapest and greenest

Mercedes has announced the pricing and specification for the most efficient E-Class yet – the E300 BlueTec Hybrid.

The Mercedes E300 Hybrid combines a 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel engine – the same as that found in all “250 CDI” badged Mercedes – with an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack to create a large luxury saloon capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, yet emissions of just 109g/km CO2.

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That’s equivalent to a claimed 67.2mpg, and better than anything else currently on sale in its class – including the new Lexus GS450h hybrid, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics.

Impressively, with prices starting at £39,645 it also undercuts both hybrid rivals by at least £5,000 (£7,000 in the case of the BMW); although it is also over £9,000 more expensive than the 520d ED.

The non-hybrid diesel BMW manages 119g/km and a claimed 62.8mpg for just £30,435.

Standard equipment on the Mercedes includes leather upholstery, satellite navigation and a no-cost choice of 16-inch or 17-inch alloys wheels. You’ll have to pick the smaller ones to get the maximum economy.

Mercedes’ hybrid system uses an electric motor that’s cleverly integrated within the seven-speed automatic, and is capable of propelling the E-Class on electric power alone for short periods.

The Mercedes E300 Hybrid is also available as an Estate, with prices starting at £41,435.

The load lugger is, however, less efficient than the saloon, returning a claimed 62.8mpg combined and 116g/km CO2, while accelerating 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and reaching only 144mph (the saloon’s maximum is 150mph).

Both saloon and estate version of the E300 Hybrid are on sale now, with first UK customer deliveries expected in November.

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