Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid and AMG pricing revealed

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia has today announced local pricing for two new E-Class variants that will be arriving here in February.

The Mercedes-AMG E 43 is a twin-turbo V6 speed machine, while the E 350 e Plug-in Hybrid is all about reducing fuel usage, and both models will supplement the new E-Class variants that launched here in July 2016.

Starting with the E 350 e, priced from $131,600, the new model comes with all the advanced semi-automated driving aids that allow it to steer, change lanes, accelerate and brake by itself – and even avoid speeding tickets.

All E-Class models are fitted as standard with 360-degree parking cameras and nine airbags, but unlike regular models in the range (E 200, E 220 d, E 350 d) it's the first E-Class in Australia that can run on pure electricity for up to 30km.

Once the electric charge from the relatively small 6.2kWh Lithium-ion battery is depleted, the car's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine chimes in to take care of propulsion, just like a regular car.

Making use of a nine-speed automatic transmission, Mercedes reckons the car will consume fuel at a rate of just 2.4L/100km, making it almost 30 per cent more efficient than Toyota Prius' 3.4L/100km.

Despite its fuel-sipping nature, the vehicle has a combined power and torque output of 210kW and 550Nm, which Benz reckons is good for a 0-100km/h blast of 6.2 seconds.

The Mercedes E 350 e features four different 'EV' modes that can recharge, use or store battery power while on the move. It takes around three hours to charge the batteries with regular domestic wall sockets, but customers can also opt to purchase a wallbox fast recharge system for home or office, priced at $1850 and halving the recharge time.

The E 350 e also adds extra features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, air suspension and a pre-entry climate control system that can be controlled remotely via your phone.

Benz is serious about electric vehicles or EVs and will bring its first pure EV to Australian dealerships in 2019, when it launches a mid-sized SUV EV for under $100,000 which will have a 500km electric cruising range.

For those looking for something more aggressive, the E 43 AMG will arrive in February priced at $159,900.

Originally slated for a Christmas 2016 release, the latest AMG-tuned E-Class features permanent all-wheel drive, its twin-turbo V6 belting out 295kW and 520Nm, thanks to the fitment of bigger turbochargers.

The German company claims the car will accelerate to 100km/h from rest in just 4.6 seconds, which is very fast.

Along with aggressive body work, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 adds things like Nappa leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, louder exhaust and an Air-Balance chassis kit.

"Our new E-Class has raised the industry benchmark when it comes to new technologies, and these outstanding new variants are no exception," said Horst von Sanden, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific.

"Following the successful introduction of both our Plug-in hybrid and AMG 43 models, we can't wait to offer this technology and performance in the all-new E-Class early next year."

The E-Class is the best-selling large luxury car in Australia thus far in 2016, with around 30 per cent market segment share, or 1032 vehicle sales. Its closest competitors are the BMW 5 Series with 471 sales (14.1%) and Audi A6 with 433 (13%) cars registered.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing:
E 200: $89,990
E 220 d: $92,900
E 350 d: $134,900

E 350 e Plug-in Hybrid: $131,600
AMG E 43 4MATIC: $159,900