Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID 2013 Review

The technology leader of the heavily-upgraded E-Class range joins the facelifted E 200, 220 and 250 sedan and wagon models launched here last month and will be followed by the E 400 and E 63 AMG S models in August, with the facelifted E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet range to come in September.

It will be joined in Mercedes-Benz Australia’s fledgling hybrid stable by the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID by mid-2014 and the first hybrid version of the next-generation C-Class due next year – all powered by the same four-cylinder diesel-electric powertrain.

And what a powertrain. Consuming only 4.3L/100km and emitting just 113g/km, the E300 improves upon the already-impressive efficiency numbers of the car it’s based on, the E 250 CDI sedan (4.9L/100km and 129g/km).

More importantly, it’s considerably more efficient than its more performance-oriented six-cylinder petrol-electric rivals, including the GS 450h (6.3L/100km, 147g/km), BMW ActiveHybrid 5 (6.8L/100km, 156g/km) and Infiniti M35h (6.9L/100km, 159g/km) – and almost twice as efficient as the ‘greenest’ big homegrown sedans in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost (8.1L/100km, 192g/km) and Holden Commodore Evoke (8.3L/100km, 198g/km).

Despite this frugality, claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 7.5 seconds -- within two seconds of the Infiniti (5.5 seconds), Lexus and BMW (both 5.9 seconds).

The price for this Prius-like efficiency and V8-like performance in a large premium sedan? Precisely $10,000 more than the E 250 CDI, with which it shares its high level of standard equipment, refinement, luxury and practicality.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

That means AVANTGARDE styling package, full LED headlights with auto high-beam, leather trim, electric/memory front seats, keyless entry/starting, power-adjustable steering column, Driving Assistance Package PLUS (including active lane departure warning, active radar cruise control and blind spot monitoring) and 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 front and 275/30 rear tyres.

This is in addition to the plethora of equipment standard across the 2013 E-Class line-up, including a reversing camera, six-way electrically-adjustable seats, auto-dimming and folding mirrors, hands-free reverse and parallel parking and a third-generation COMAND APS infotainment system comprising an internet browser, iPhone 5 compatibility, several integrated apps, satellite-navigation, 10GB music storage, CD/DVD and SD card slots, Bluetooth audio streaming and voice control.

MECHANICAL?

To this the full two-mode hybrid E-Class adds a 20kW/250Nm electric motor/generator between its engine and seven-speed automatic transmission, bringing total outputs to 170kW and 590Nm (the latter from just 1800rpm).

Efficiency is further increased by a ‘sailing’ mode in which the engine is switched off and the vehicle maintains cruising speeds of up to 160km/h under electric power alone, short periods of electric-only take-off acceleration under light loads and a regenerative braking system that feeds kinetic braking energy back into the battery.

While that brings worthwhile reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over the E 250 CDI, the electrified E-Class’ extra performance is cancelled out by a 100kg weight penalty (including 27kg for the motor/generator and 23kg for the front-mounted lithium-ion battery), resulting in identical 0-100km/h acceleration.

Like all 2013 E-Class models, all body panels are new except for the roof, while 37 individual LEDs form driving lights in each redesigned headlight and there are new-look steering wheels, updated switches and a digital display for the automatic climate control.

PACKAGING

Moving the gear lever to the steering column has allowed more space in the centre console for storage, but there are still no drink holders in the doors and the primitive foot-operated parking brake clutters the driver’s footwell.

Unlike its rivals, however, the E-Class hybrid’s battery pack is mounted in the engine bay, not the boot, meaning just 35 litres is lost from the latter following the relocation of the 12-volt battery to the rear.

But while there’s still a sizeable 505 litres available -- augmented by the same split/folding rear seat and through-loading functionality as conventional E-Class models -- the full-size spare wheel is replaced by a compressor and repair kit.

SAFETY?

On top of rudimentary safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and seatbelt pretensioners, there’s also no fewer than 11 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, automatic cruise control with braking, lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring, a brake pad wear indicator, automatic door locking, a first aid kit and traffic warning triangle.

Although the new GS hybrid is now available in three model grades, it’s starting price is the same as that of the Infiniti and the car upon which the E-Class hybrid is based, the E 250 CDI sedan, and therefore also cost $10,000 less than the E hybrid.

However, the E 300’s sub-$109,000 pricetag is $14,000 lower than that of BMW’s petrol-electric 5 Series sedan ($122,900), only about 20 of which have arrived Down Under so far.

First, the 2013 model is easily the most elegant example of the polished E-Class lineage yet created, making the first local Benz hybrid a visual stand-out alongside the classic conservatism of the ActiveHybrid 5 and the daring aggression of the GS 450h and M35h.

It’s no secret that a heftier than planned midlife makeover was designed to combat criticism of the latest E’s angular styling, and the exterior of the ‘facelifted’ model is so different that it makes the more mildly tweaked interior look a little staid.

There’s no question about the fit, finish and quality of the latest E-Class cabin, which offers more centre console storage space thanks to the column-mounted gearshifter, but the lack of bottle holders in the door pockets and clumsy foot-operated parking brake still niggle.

Second, small but highly effective changes to suspension and steering tune give the freshened E-Class an even better ride/handling compromise, offering a near-perfect balance between taut, sports sedan-style body control and limousine-like ride quality on all surfaces.

Those who have driven them back-to-back say the E 300’s extra 100kg of battery mass up front makes it feel slightly nose heavier than the E 250 diesel in corners and, say, over speed humps.

The ActiveHybrid 5 is still probably the sharpest of these hybrids, but in isolation our only dynamic gripe was the lane departure warning system’s insistent steering wheel pulsing whenever we got near road marking on the twisty backroads around Healesville.

Third, as Australia’s first diesel-electric car, the BlueTEC delivers a totally different driving experience from its larger-capacity petrol-electric rivals from Germany and Japan. It might only pack 2.1 litres and four cylinders of diesel power, but a twin-scroll turbo and an electric motor/generator combine enough boost to deliver midrange thrust none of them can match.

Sure, clatter when cold, minor resonance through the pedals at low engine speeds and a moment’s delay when instant power is called upon are giveaways as to what’s under the bonnet, and the 5 Series, GS and M hybrids are all a fair bit quicker from a standing start to 100km/h.

But the E 300 still delivers V8-like midrange torque and effortless overtaking ability, offers the same electric only take-off capability, switches seamlessly between motor and engine power, provides useful engine/motor braking, revs cleanly to 5000rpm and, perhaps, most importantly, is more efficient.

We averaged just 6.5L/100km over an extended mix of city, freeway and hilly rural roads on the launch without driving at all economically, which is outstanding for a big luxury sedan and far better than any of its quicker, more powerful competitors could manage.

Fourth, the only penalties one must pay for this efficient performance is a $10K price premium over the E 250 CDI, a barely noticeable reduction in boot space and the loss of a spare wheel, which could become an issue when you least expect it.

So it’s a good thing the E-Class petrol hybrid is a left-hand drive model only for markets like the US, because the diesel E 300 hybrid’s muscular efficiency provides a compelling point of difference from the three big petrol-electric luxury sedans already available here.

Now, if only there was a seven-seat E 300 BlueTECH HYBRID Estate for large, upwardly mobile families with an environmental conscience.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…