First Drive: Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid

The new Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid has arrived in Ireland.

It was launched this afternoon, along with the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake as part of a ‘product offensive’ the car company has planned between now and 2016, over which time it expects to launch 10 new cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz E300 hybrid is based on the current E-Class design and Mercedes-Benz believes it to be the most economical drive system in its class.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder 204bhp diesel engine (with 20kW electric motor) is available in both saloon and estate and we took the saloon version for a quick spin around the Wicklow countryside.

It’s a beautiful looking car, big and elegant, with a spacious cabin and boot and a luxurious beige leather interior, which comes as standard.

Air conditioning, audio streaming/Bluetooth, audio 20 six CD changer, electric heated front seats, active parking assist and an alarm pack are also standard spec.

A hybrid, it has an automatic transmission and a screen which tells you how your car is currently being powered.

I really enjoyed driving the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid during my short time with it – it’s very comfortable, gear changes were seamless and I thought that it handled very well.

The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid is available to order now, with prices starting from €51,020. Prices for the mid-level Avantgarde model I was driving start from €54,115.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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