Mercedes prices up E-class diesel hybrid

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the price of its E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, dubbed the most efficient E-Class ever sold in the UK.

On the roads in November, the car will cost £39,645 for the Saloon, £41,435 for the Estate.

The diesel-electric hybrid claims 65.7mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and a 109g/km CO2 emissions figure.

Yet it also boasts a 7.5-second 0-62mph time (in saloon form – the estate records 7.8) and 150mph top speed.

The powerplant matches a 2,143cc, four-cylinder diesel engine of 201bhp and 369lbft to a 20kW electric motor mounted within the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and powered by a 19kW Lithium-ion battery.

Mounting the electric motor in the gearbox allows the engine to be disengaged through the clutch and for the car to run as an electric vehicle only for short distances.

Mercedes expects the car to appeal strongly to business drivers, with benefit-in-kind tax rates ranging from just 12 per cent.

The car comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, though 16-inch wheels can be fitted as a no-cost option to achieve the lowest possible CO2 and economy figures.

Also included is leather upholstery, the Becker Map Pilot Navigation system and LED daytime running lights.

Words by: Andrew Charman