We often select desirable traits from different sources and combine them genetically at one spot. Scientists call it cross-breeding.
While there isn't a generic term to coin such method in the automotive world, we seem to have the perfect example - the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid.
For those unfamiliar with the three-pointed star, BlueTEC is another fanciful name (thought out by the marketing people, of course) for its diesel powerplants with emission reducing technologies. And 'Hybrid' simply means that there is a lump of electric motor lying somewhere within the drivetrain.
Unlike the other hybrids we have test driven before, the E300 is the first that uses a diesel engine. With the oil burner sipping less fuel than a comparatively-sized petrol engine, its half the battle won.
And before we carry on any further, the E300 hybrid has already won the 'Most fuel economical car in the luxury segment'. If you ask us, that sounds like some ingenious cross-breeding at work.
While there isn't a generic term to coin such method in the automotive world, we seem to have the perfect example - the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid.
For those unfamiliar with the three-pointed star, BlueTEC is another fanciful name (thought out by the marketing people, of course) for its diesel powerplants with emission reducing technologies. And 'Hybrid' simply means that there is a lump of electric motor lying somewhere within the drivetrain.
Unlike the other hybrids we have test driven before, the E300 is the first that uses a diesel engine. With the oil burner sipping less fuel than a comparatively-sized petrol engine, its half the battle won.
And before we carry on any further, the E300 hybrid has already won the 'Most fuel economical car in the luxury segment'. If you ask us, that sounds like some ingenious cross-breeding at work.
Up close and Personal
For those deeply concerned about fuel economy and emission figures, look no further. The brochure states some pretty impressive numbers - the E300 hybrid will do 24km/L and emit no more than 110g/km of carbon emission.
On the outside, nothing separates the diesel hybrid from the petrol variants except the wearing of 'BlueTEC Hybrid' monikers on its rump.
Thanks to clever packaging, the car's interior space remains the same too, despite having more components from the hybrid system. The lithium-ion battery pack replaces the conventional starter battery in the engine compartment. Also, the electric motor is slotted between the engine and transmission to save space.
The Drive
Both diesel and hybrid are well-known for their extra torquey characteristic, which makes driving them a breeze in city conditions. Hence, there's no surprise that the E300 hybrid gets up and going in a very fuss-free manner, especially when you consider that the diesel, on its own, churns out a delectable 500Nm of torque from just 1,600 revolutions.
The hybrid system stores electrical energy for use in both car and propulsion, and is capable of powering the sedan to 35km/h on electrical charges alone. That said, it takes a featherlight foot to keep the diesel engine at bay and run the car purely in EV mode.
When the hybrid system determines that there isn't enough juice in the battery, it will fire up the diesel engine at a moment's notice. This no doubt will bring about the unmistakable diesel clatterings, especially when you set upon a heavy right foot.
But the engine will soon ease to a slight bustle once the car gets up and moving. As such, cruising in the hybrid is still a very enjoyable affair.
Both diesel and hybrid are well-known for their extra torquey characteristic, which makes driving them a breeze in city conditions. Hence, there's no surprise that the E300 hybrid gets up and going in a very fuss-free manner, especially when you consider that the diesel, on its own, churns out a delectable 500Nm of torque from just 1,600 revolutions.
The hybrid system stores electrical energy for use in both car and propulsion, and is capable of powering the sedan to 35km/h on electrical charges alone. That said, it takes a featherlight foot to keep the diesel engine at bay and run the car purely in EV mode.
When the hybrid system determines that there isn't enough juice in the battery, it will fire up the diesel engine at a moment's notice. This no doubt will bring about the unmistakable diesel clatterings, especially when you set upon a heavy right foot.
But the engine will soon ease to a slight bustle once the car gets up and moving. As such, cruising in the hybrid is still a very enjoyable affair.
The driver will also find the hybrid as nimble as its petrol counterparts despite putting on extra weight from the hybrid system. Credit goes to the crystal clear steering, which remains as one of the best-selling points of the new E-Class.
In our best earth-saving effort, the hybrid will manage close to 16km/L, while in more day-to-day situations such as in city traffic, the trip computer will put out a more realistic figure of 13.5km/L.
Conclusion
Think of the diesel hybrid as an uptuned E-Class with more usable power in the city without asking more from you at the pumps, and you can't be far from the truth.
And if you can look beyond the resistance as with most diesel cars - the less cultivated noise that is - the E300 hybrid will leave you as a happy driver and/or passengers - just like what it did to us.
In our best earth-saving effort, the hybrid will manage close to 16km/L, while in more day-to-day situations such as in city traffic, the trip computer will put out a more realistic figure of 13.5km/L.
Conclusion
Think of the diesel hybrid as an uptuned E-Class with more usable power in the city without asking more from you at the pumps, and you can't be far from the truth.
And if you can look beyond the resistance as with most diesel cars - the less cultivated noise that is - the E300 hybrid will leave you as a happy driver and/or passengers - just like what it did to us.
