Can the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid cut it in the real world?

I take a drive in the new Mercedes E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus and find out if the latest eco-offering from the German manufacturer will really make drivers better off when it comes to saving money at the pump.

It was with great interest that I heard – some time ago, now – that Mercedes were going to be introducing a hybrid model to sit within the established E-Class range.

Unlike some of the other, perhaps arguably, more forward thinking manufacturers, Mercedes have opted for a diesel / electric hybrid, rather than going for the more economical plug-in hybrid.

Why this is, I have no idea, but I will tell you honestly what I found on my recent drive of their new environmentally-friendly executive saloon car.

Firstly, I can’t knock the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus for refinement. I am, overall, a Mercedes fan and as such, I appreciate the comfort and class that they usually bring to the party with the majority of their models.

Mercedes E-Class hybrid disappoints on fuel economy claims

However, on this occasion I was left feeling a little bit let down by the hybrid technology: I found it incredibly difficult to keep the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus in ECO Mode unless I was in slow-moving traffic.

As a result, I really don’t think that drivers will get anywhere near Mercedes’ claims of 68.9 mpg combined – unless, of course, the car is only driven in rush hour traffic. This, I feel, is a bit of a mistake given that the target audience for the E-Class is the business user.

And this brings me to my next point.

Mercedes E-Class hybrid – vs. – Mercedes E-Class diesel

What advantages are there in buying or leasing a E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus over the most popular model, the E220 CDI?

Well as far as I can see, not many. Well yes, you will be doing your bit for the environment but regarding actual savings, I would recommend that you take a look at the most popular diesel in the E-Class range, which is the E220 CDI AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus.

Here’s why:

E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus

• OTRP £42,375
• CO2 emissions 110g/km
• £1,439 20% tax payer BIK
• Fuel combined 68.9 mpg ( in my opinion, this is not realistic at all)

E 220 CDI AMG Sport G-Tronic Plus

• OTRP £36,895
• CO2 emissions 131g/km
• £1,762 20% tax payer BIK
• Fuel combined 61.4 mpg (fairly realistic)

In my opinion, the extra pennies that you pay for the hybrid won’t bring you the savings benefits that you would expect given the cost of the vehicle and the fact that you are unlikely to save massively on fuel (even if the vehicle does come anywhere near the estimated miles per gallon, which I seriously doubt in the real world).

Yes, the hybrid may be a little bit quicker, getting to 62mph in 7.5 seconds, but the E220 does it in 8.4. Is less than a second really worth the extra buck?

Why not let me know what you think – you can tweet me any time or contact me directly on 01223 893 260 if you would like some advice on the best funding solution for your next vehicle.

Incidentally, Neva Cambridge Leasing are very competitive when it comes to Mercedes-Benz leasing; click here to view some of our current deals or call!