Mercedes-Benz believe the E300 'heralds the beginning of a new era in hybrid drive systems'.
They say this is the world's most economical, luxury-class model, delivering fuel consumption of a frugal 4.2 L/100kms, (almost 70 mpg), and has low emissions of only 109g C02/km so will be in Band A for annual road tax (€160).
It will be available in saloon and estate.
It combines the power of a 2.2 four-cylinder diesel engine developing 204bhp with the energy of a 20 kW electric motor. Powered and charged by its own motion, without need of any external charging points, and unrestricted in terms of driving distance, the E300 Hybrid is a self-contained unit that links the fuel economy of a diesel engine over long distances with the advantages of an efficient hybrid in city and stop/go traffic.
Positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, the lithium-ion battery powered electric motor gives a boost effect to the diesel engine when accelerating whilst increasing braking energy when in alternator mode. The car can also be driven under electric power alone.
The E300 Hybrid is based on the E250CDI, which has a price tag of €47,500. It's expected to launch here at a price slightly above this figure with annual road tax of €160 (Band A).
Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars says this small price difference will be more than offset by increased fuel economy and the savings in fuel costs that owners will make over a short ownership period.
Supplies will arrive in volume early next year.
