Mercedes faces the challenge of electrification with a range that acts across the board, without neglecting any solution, an example of which is the E-Class 300e in our test, a plug-in hybrid sedan that combines a 2-litre petrol unit to the electrical sector.
With its almost 5 meters in length and that slender sedan configuration it seems to steal the show from the S-Class, due to its flagship look underlined by the chrome around the grille with the large star in the centre, and above the rear light clusters joined by a central element for a solution of continuity that underlines the width of the car.
The stance is regal: the car sits on multi-spoke alloy wheels with low shoulders and the inclined rear pillar streamlines the side. It is 4949 mm long, 1880 mm wide and 1468 mm high and maintains the traditional look and proportions of the classic three-volume Mercedes sedans. The short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a generously sized passenger compartment set back, also thanks to the wheelbase extended by two centimeters (2961 millimetres) compared to the previous series.
The trunk capacity reaches 540 litres.
Photo story Mercedes E-Class 300 Hybrid
Spacious for 5, but suitable for 4, the E-Class 300e features a dashboard that is spectacular to say the least, due to its full-screen configuration. In fact, in front of the driver there is a display that appears detached from the context and allows you to manage the car from the driving seat; another is located in the central part; while the passenger has his own, so that he can entertain himself during longer journeys, perhaps watching a film. These are very reactive, intuitive devices that allow you to download various applications without the unpleasant overload effect that would slow them down, as they benefit from the dedicated CPU. For the rest, you are greeted by soft and opulent upholstery in an environment finished with care and made with quality materials.
On the move it is silent, smooth, but also agile, with the 4-wheel steering making it seem decidedly shorter in tight turns and when driving in the city. The 9-speed automatic gearbox is well synchronized with the power unit, which offers 204 thermal and 129 electric HP, and allows you to travel about 100 km in electric mode, thanks to a 24.5 kWh battery which recharges from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes from a rapid column at a power of 50 kW.
Consumption in hybrid mode varies depending on the amount of energy contained in the battery pack at the time of detection, because it can be negligible, less than 1l/100 km, or reach around 20 km/the battery is flat. Performance, in any case, is brilliant, so much so that 0-100 km/h is covered in 6.4 seconds, while the top speed, where permitted, can reach 236 km/h. With the ambient lights capable of creating a unique atmosphere, and a pavé-proof suspension, the comfort item almost reaches the level of the S-Class.
Adas and autonomous driving systems are also of a high standard. With Attention Assist working in conjunction with the camera in the 3D driver display the car detects signs of microsleep. By monitoring the driver’s eyes, the system triggers an acoustic warning and – if the driver continues not to pay attention to the traffic situation – first a second warning is triggered and then an emergency stop is initiated.
Class E is set up for Automated Valet Parking (level 4 autonomous driving). The car has on-board technology to park and exit the bay fully automatically without a driver on board.
For a Class E 300e the price list starts at just over 77,000 euros, but drawing on the extensive list of accessories it can rise significantly.
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Source: Ansa