First diesel hybrid in premium sector

MERCEDES-BENZ will have a hybrid-engined diesel E-Class on sale in November. Prices reflect the technology, starting at £39,645 for the E300 Blue TEC Hybrid (sic) saloon and £41,435 for the estate car.

The headline figures are a combined average of 65.7mpg and 109g/km CO2, 150mph top speed and 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds for the saloon and 62.8mpg, 116g/km, 144mph and 7.8 seconds for the estate. BIK rates are from 12 per cent. All figures are taken using the smallest 16-inch wheels which are an option in place of the standard 17-inchers.

Also included is leather upholstery, Becker plug-in navigation and LED daytime running lights. The E Hybrid has a 2,143cc, four-cylinder diesel engine developing 201 bhp and 368.5 lb-ft of torque. It is linked to an electric motor mounted in the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission powered by a lithium-ion battery. Drive is to the rear wheels.

The car will run on electric power for short distances. It is the first hybrid diesel car in the premium sector.