2019 is the year that you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of one of the best prestige hybrid or all-electric vehicles. Already released are Mercedes’ E Class Hybrids with the E300e (petrol hybrid) and E300de (diesel hybrid) now available in both saloon and estate body styles. Still to come are the EQC – an all-electric SUV, the C Class plug, and A, B, GLC and GLE Class plugins. You can expect to see them by the end of this year. Next year will bring a pure electric version of the V Class, promising to challenge what drivers can expect from the MPV category.
While Mercedes-Benz has given drivers an electric option for their cars for the past five years, the newest additions to the range offer an all-electric commute to those wishing to reduce their emissions to zero.
Mercedes-Benz E Class Hybrids
The new E 300e has a four-cylinder petrol engine producing 208bhp and a 121bhp electric motor for a combined output of 315bhp and 700Nm of torque. This combination allows the E 300e to go from 0 to 62mph in just six seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph while emitting a trifling 45g per kilometre of CO2. The compact battery provides 30 miles of all-electric travel with the touch of a button and charges from 10% full to 100% in less than two hours using a 7.4 kW charger.
The diesel version of the Hybrid E Class is the most economical of all E Class vehicles – The 194bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is paired with a 122bhp electric motor and 13.5kWh battery, giving it 166.2mpg. It too can reach a top speed of 155mph and accelerates from 0 – 62mph in under six seconds.
Inside you can expect the high standard of luxury that’s synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand. You’ll be surrounded by high-quality materials, attractive finishes and advanced technology. The entry-level SE model comes with a widescreen display for car instruments and infotainment uses, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable heated front seats and parking assistance features.
If you’re looking for a sportier style, opt for the AMG Line.
Still to Come…
If you’re in the market for an entry-level Mercedes-Benz hybrid model, you’ve a little longer to wait. The A-Class is expected to go into production around the middle of the year. It’s rumoured to have an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain and combine a 163bhp version of the marque’s 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 90bhp electric motor. The petrol engine is expected to throw power to the front wheels while the electric motor will provide drive exclusively to the rear wheels. This set-up provides four-wheel drive capability, giving the A Class an upgrade of more than just electric capability.
The EQC – Mercedes’ all-electric SUV – is arguably the most exciting addition for the manufacturer and will be the first dedicated electric Mercedes model to enter series production. With seating for five and 79 litres more luggage space than the GLC, the EQC will count versatility among its strongest selling points.
Powered by a newly developed electric drivetrain consisting of two electric motors – one powering the front wheels and the other the rear, this configuration enables four-wheel drive capability, depending on the driving mode. In Sport mode, the EQC can sprint from 0 to 62mph in just over five seconds and reach a top speed of 112mph.
The SUV doesn’t skimp on power either; it has a towing capacity of 1800kg and a 515kg payload. The range of 249 miles on the WLTP cycle, means the EQC should be able to traverse around 200 miles of real-world range per charge, making this the all-electric SUV to keep an eye out for.