The hybrid in a league of its own

Ryan Hirons tests one of the few cars that combine a diesel with electric assistance

There are two strong trends in the motoring world at the moment - a decline in diesel, and a surge in electrified vehicles. The former has been lambasted for its impact on the environment, while the latter options are quickly becoming feasible for daily drivers, rather than just the niche machines they once were. Combining the two is almost unheard of though, but Mercedes has decided to have a go at it with the E 300 de. After all, why not combine the long-distance efficiency of a diesel with the guilt-free urban capabilities electric power brings?

WHAT’S NEW?

It’s ‘de’ that’s crucial on this particular E-Class, denoting its aforementioned diesel-electric powertrain. You wouldn’t guess it’s anything out of the ordinary compared with any other option in the saloon’s range at a first glance though, with Mercedes preferring to keep its electric capabilities understated - at least in terms of the car’s design. UNDER THE BONNET Powering the E 300 de is a 2.0-litre diesel engine on its own producing 191bhp, paired up to an electric motor with an output of 121bhp with a total torque figure of 700Nm. The result is a car capable of 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds before reaching a 155mph top speed. This pairing also translates into a claimed 166.2mpg with emissions coming in at just 41g/ km. It’s a seriously compelling combination. When in hybrid mode, the diesel engine seldom kicks in - resulting in a car that’s often incredibly refined and can deliver an impressive fuel return on longer runs, sitting around 60mpg in real-world driving.

Its 32-mile all-electric range may not seem like too much but could make this the perfect car for drivers with a short commute. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Tested here is the SE variant. As standard it has blind spot assist, illuminated door sills, split-folding rear seats, Mercedes’s Parking package bringing sensors front and rear plus ‘Active Parking Assist’ which can self-park the car, ambient lighting, heated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. Its £47,700 starting price seems reasonable, though it quickly rockets in the options list. THE VERDICT

Though the combination of diesel and electric is rare, Mercedes has made it an appealing prospect with the E 300 de. It truly delivers the efficiency of diesel on longer runs while also proving just as usable as an EV around town. It hasn’t spoilt the E Class formula of elegance and comfort either – and it’s hard to ignore the 100 litres of boot space lost over its more traditional siblings.