The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300 Hybrid offers more than 50 percent better fuel and emissions performance than its ordinary diesel equivalent, for just 1.3 percent higher price under the pre-Budget 2013 regime, writes Brian Byrne.Offically launched today on the Irish market at €51,020, its 70mpg equivalent and CO2 rating of 103g/km puts it in this respect at the frugality of supermini cars.
The first diesel hybrid car in the premium arena, it also offers high performance when required, with the electric motor capable of adding an extra 250Nm of pulling power to the already capable torque of the 2.2 diesel.
The E300 Hybrid also provides ability to drive on electric drive alone, not just at city speeds, but in cruise conditions it can also run in electric. ode at speeds of up to 150km/h.
