At the end of this year Mercedes-Benz will introduce is new diesel-powered E 300 bluetec hybrid on the Irish market.
Claimed by Mercedes to be the world’s most economical luxury-class model, the new E300 hybrid delivers fuel consumption of just 4.2-litres of diesel per 100km. That is a return of close to 70mpg and low emissions of just 109g CO2/km.
Available in saloon and estate, the E300 hybrid combines the power of a 2.2-litre 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 engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, the lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor gives a ‘boost effect’ to the diesel engine when accelerating while increasing braking energy when in alternator mode. The car can also be driven under electric power alone.
Based on the E250CDI - which has a price tag of €47,500 - the new E300 hybrid is expected to launch here at a price some 10 per cent above this figure with annual road tax of just €160.
Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, told the Advertiser, “this small price differential will be more than offset by increased fuel economy and the savings in fuel costs that owners will make over a short ownership period.”
He added, " Sitting alongside the many other environmentally positive models in the Mercedes-Benz range, the E300 heralds the beginning of a new era in hybrid drive systems. With no restrictions in terms of spaciousness, comfort and safety, it exhibits impressive efficiency that will appeal to a significant section of the Irish motor market.”
