Mercedes E-Class Hybrid Review

How does the Mercedes hybrid system work?

Despite their names, the Mercedes E-Class Hybrids are in fact plug-in hybrids. The system works by using a conventional engine under the bonnet that’s supplemented by an electric motor and battery pack. The engine and the motor can work together or independently and always power the rear wheels. To charge up the battery, you have to plug it in.

Are Mercedes hybrids any good?

It’s a little known fact that Mercedes has been experimenting with hybrids since the late 1960s. Throughout the 1990s various Mercedes cars were available as hybrids for testing purposes, but the first proper Mercedes hybrid you could actually buy was the S-Class Hybrid of 2005. The current range of plug-in hybrid Mercs are some of the best on sale today.

What is the difference between the E300e and E300de?

They’re identical when it comes to the plug-in hybrid electric bit as they use the same 13.5kWh battery pack and 120bhp electric motor, but the key difference is what’s under the bonnet. The E300e uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine while the E300de uses a 2.0-litre diesel.

What is Mercedes EQ Power? 

Simply, it’s Mercedes’s electric umbrella brand where you’ll find it’s full-electric models (like the EQC and Smart ForTwo) and plug-in hybrids like the E300e and E300de. The ‘EQ’ bit actually stands for ‘Electric Intelligence’. 

What is the electric range of the E-Class Hybrid?

The pure electric range of the E300e petrol is 31 miles and for the diesel it’s 34 miles. That should be more than enough for most daily commutes to work, but remember that figure is the ‘best’ figure. High-20s to early-30s should be expected in normal driving, though.