We drive a Mercedes-Benz E 300 from: Nothing without diesel!

Alexander Savin photo

Huge pressure on automakers, which seriously undermines the electrical lobby, all under the guise of protecting the environment, irresistibly leads to mass electrification of vehicles. Fortunately, that still doesn’t necessarily mean switching to all-electric vehicles, because There are several ways to reduce the average emission of gases..

From easy and relatively simple “interventions” like adding Smooth hybrid patent with starter alternator and modest capacity batteries for existing powertrains, through classic hybrid systems in combination of SUS and electric motor, where batteries are complemented by kinetic energy recovery and SUS motors, up to plug-in hybrid technology.

It involves powering the outlet, allowing for the installation of larger batteries and more powerful electric motors, all of which ultimately results in significantly longer autonomous power compared to conventional hybrids. A few months ago Mercedes-Benz introduced us to a new EQ Power family of plug-in hybrid cars at an international presentation, where the focus was on Class A, Class B and GLE and GLC SUVs.

However, before all of them the E 300 appeared as we now have it tested. This plug-in hybrid model is specific because it is The first to introduce a drive system consisting of a 2.0-liter 194-hp diesel engine and a 122-hp electric motor. The result is a combined production of 306 horsepower, which is transmitted to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher than 100 “horsepower” compared to conventional E 220 d and 40hp diesel compared to E 300 d, unequivocally suggests that, in addition to its ecological function, the electric drive also contributes to sports aspirations.

The tested E 300 is practically indistinguishable from the other E-Classes. In addition to the iconic appearance built into the nearly 5-meter-long sedan, the AMG gear package is attractive. With the exception of the rear bumper socket and a few details like the EQ Power badges and the blue color that the LED matrix lights “unlock” when unlocked, there are no other significant differences on the outside.

At first glance, they are not even inside. The comfortable and luxurious cabin smells of cutting-edge technology. They are incorporated into large displays for instrumentation, multimedia, navigation and connectivity, as well as ambient lighting in a wide variety of colors, as well as steering wheel controls for sophisticated security systems such as adaptive cruise control combined with management and maintenance assistance. Rail

There’s plenty of room in the front, and the seats are very cozy, as they should be in a premium sedan, but the rear space isn’t as exciting as the seating position, especially for average passengers.

In some detail, the E-Class, however, It fails to hide the “wrinkles” that have accumulated in recent years, and this mainly refers to the center part of the center console with a somewhat anachronistic appearance with switches and buttons.. Perhaps the most important key in this car is to select one of the four hybrid modes, which complements the five driving modes available in all Mercedes, namely Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual …

The hybrid is available for the first time when the car itself determines how each of the powertrains will engage: one, the other, or both at the same time. Mode E is electrically powered, and then the car is powered by a 122 hp, 400 Nm electric motor at 0-2,000 rpm only. E-save does not allow the participation of electric motors, as it is intended to save energy in the batteries and, finally, there is the charge for a more intensive recharging of the batteries while driving.

During the multi-day test, we individually examined all modes, looking for answers on how the car behaves and how much it consumes. In pure electric mode, the factory declares a maximum speed of 130 km / h and a range of 54 km, and we managed to travel 38 km in the city cycle. The top speed data suggests that the car can be used in both electric and highway mode, but then the range decreases significantly.

In hybrid mode, the average city cycle consumption was just under 3 liters, while in electronic charging mode the average was almost 10 liters. Perhaps most relevant is the appetite for mixed driving appetite (city, highway, and freeway).

Then the on-board computer reads an average of about 2.5 liters, of course, as long as you connect the car to the charger every night and start charging in the morning with a full battery. Otherwise, the Mercedes E 300 can only be charged in slow AC chargers or outlets, and then it takes four and a half hours to fully charge the empty battery.

Alexander Savin photo

However, what constitutes an even greater limitation than the “extended” charging time is pack the batteries arranged in the trunk to lose their proper shape. The already modest 400 liters of volume further lose their usability. So much so that four passengers will hardly pack their bags for a longer trip.

In the Mercedes-Benz E 300, designers made a conscious sacrifice of the boot, but users benefit from low power consumption and performance. Acceleration to “100” is accomplished in less than 6 seconds and each time you increase the throttle, you will feel the torque reach 700Nm and generate a strong wind on the two-ton sails of heavy vessels. And the E-Class really is a boat full of wheels, a car that eats sovereign roads without compromising passenger comfort.

Alexander Savin photo

In addition to comfort and sound insulation it is at an extremely high level, making it guaranteed first-class ride, all in keeping with the reputation of the “three pointed star”. Of course, so is the price. With rich accessories including AMG exterior (€ 2,210) and interior line (€ 2,230), Comand online (€ 2,542) Driver assistance package (€ 2,100), multi-beam LED lights (€ 1,354), etc. The tested model costs € 75,505.

Please refer to the TopSpeed ​​website for details on specs, price, and final rating after testing.

For that money, you get an “ eco ” sedan with a modern plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows you to drive zero emissions in the city, while on the road you have more than an E-Class with a powerful and economical diesel engine, which is a popular choice for Mercedes Customers.

(Telegraf.rs/Uros Dedic / TopSpeed)