Short test: Mercedes-Benz E 300 Bluetec Hybrid
On the latest E-Class update, Mercedes-Benz also offered a hybrid version. Like most similar versions of cars from other brands, this one is, of course, more expensive than the basic version or version with the same engine. But a closer look at prices reveals that Mercedes' premium for the hybrid version isn't that big at all. The new E-Class in Slovenia with the designation E 250 CDI costs 48.160 euros. This price includes a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and for a surcharge of 2.903 euros, the manual transmission is replaced by a seven-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting through the steering wheel lugs. That this is the best choice and worth paying extra for probably doesn't need to be explained, but the interesting price we get with this extra charge is 51.063 300 euros. On the other hand, the E 52.550 BlueTec Hybrid version costs € 1.487, which is only € XNUMX more. And, of course, the car is already equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.
What else does the buyer get for a little less than € 1.500? A powerful 2,1-liter engine that basically puts out 204 "horsepower" (the same as in the base E 250 CDI) and a plug-in hybrid that adds a good 27 "horsepower". Compared to the diesel version alone, performance is marginally higher, acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is only two-tenths shorter, and top speed is also just two kilometers higher. The big difference is in CO2 emissions, where the hybrid version has 110 g / km emissions, which is 23 g / km less than the base diesel. Does this convince you? Probably no.
So the fuel consumption remains. According to factory promises and records, the diesel version consumes 5,1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers, while the hybrid version only consumes 100 liters at 4,2 (very pleasant and gentle) kilometers. This is a difference that many people would "buy" and the fact that fuel consumption in the real world is significantly higher than factory values also speaks in favor of the hybrid version. As a result, the difference in consumption between the regular and hybrid versions is also greater. But while this sounds good, the mentioned difference in fuel consumption requires close interaction between the driver, the car and the engine, otherwise the consumption can be much higher than promised.
Mercedes has designed the hybrid version of the E-Class slightly differently from what it has done with other similar versions. The entire hybrid assembly sits under the front hood, which means the trunk is the same size because there are no extra batteries in it. Well, they're not even under the hood, as the 20kW electric motor powers the base car battery, which is bigger and more powerful than the base version, but it still can't work wonders. This means that there is not much energy generated and, above all, it is quickly consumed. However, it is sufficient for the engine to stop every time you take your foot off the gas for a few seconds, not only at the place (Start-Stop), but also while driving. As a result, the car starts to "float" and charge the battery abundantly. Its energy and electric motor also help start, but if the gas pressure is really soft and controlled, then up to a speed of about 30 km / h can be started entirely on electricity. But the pressure should be really gentle, the same when driving, when the deflection of the foot from the gas turns off the diesel engine, but repeated overpressure immediately turns it on again. The synergy between driver, diesel engine and electric motor takes a long time, but it is possible. So, for example, on the route from Ljubel to Trzic, you can almost completely drive exclusively on electricity or "under sail", while, for example, on the entire route from Ljubljana to Klagenfurt and back, the average fuel consumption per 100 km was only 6,6, 100. liters. Moreover, the E-Class hybrid has proven itself to be on the normal level. Having driven exactly 4,9 kilometers with all speed limits taken into account, the consumption was only 100 liters per XNUMX kilometers, and this is certainly a figure that can convince many that they can choose a hybrid version in the near future.
And let me give you a hint: with all the “threats” of carefully stepping on the gas, this does not mean that you should drive the snail slowly, just carefully, with as little decisive acceleration as possible and as slowly as possible, so do not jerk.
Sebastian Plevnyak
Mercedes-Benz E 300 Bluetec Hybrid
Basic data
| Sales: | Autocommerce doo |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 42.100 € |
| Test model cost: | 61.117 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 150kW (204 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,2 with |
| Maximum speed: | 242 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 4,9l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 2.143 cm3 - maximum power 150 kW (204 hp) at 4.200 rpm - maximum torque 500 Nm at 1.600-1.800 rpm. electric motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor - rated voltage 650 V - maximum power 20 kW (27 hp) - maximum torque 250 Nm. battery: nickel-metal hydride batteries - capacity 6,5 Ah. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | rear-wheel drive engine - 7-speed automatic transmission - tires 245/45 R 17 H (Continental ContiWinterContact). |
| Capacity: | 242 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,1/4,1/4,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 110 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.845 kg - permissible gross weight 2.430 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.879 mm - width 1.854 mm - height 1.474 mm - wheelbase 2.874 mm - trunk 505 l - fuel tank 59 l. |
evaluation
Driving the E Hybrid seemed a little tedious at first, but after a good week, you can get completely used to working with both a diesel and an electric motor. And, of course, we must not forget about the comfort and prestige that the "star" can and still knows how to offer. In the end, this also provided a surcharge of nine thousand euros to the already mentioned base price.
We praise and reproach
engine
hybrid assembly is completely under the hood
Transmission
feeling in the cabin
end products
fuel consumption when driving smoothly, normal cycle
accessories price
battery capacity
fuel consumption during normal fast driving
