New powertrains introduced to Mercedes E-Class range
Plug-in hybrid now available in saloon form, while Coupe and Cabriolet buyers can now opt for 295bhp E 350 petrol
Mercedes has opened order books for two new powertrain options in its E-Class range.
Buyers of the E-Class saloon can now order the new E 300 e, a plug-in hybrid model, while the Coupe and Cabriolet variants are now available with the high-powered E 350 petrol.
The hybrid goes on sale with prices starting at £47,450. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 208bhp, mated to a 120bhp electric motor. Total system output is 320bhp.
It is capable of a theoretical 134.5mpg, according to the WLTP combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are pegged at just 46g/km. The E300 e is capable of travelling 31 miles on electric power alone, and charging takes two hours with a 7.4kW charger – or four hours from a standard three-pin plug socket.
That starting price nets an E 300 e in entry-level SE trim, with stylish AMG Line cars coming in at £49,945. All cars receive blind-spot assist, active parking, keyless go, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, a twin-screen infotainment and gauge setup, heated front seats and wooden trim on the centre console. AMG Line adds a styling package, full leather upholstery and darker wood trim.
Meanwhile, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet line-ups now have access to the 350 petrol engine. Confusingly named, it’s also a 2.0-litre unit which produces 295bhp and 400Nm of torque. It starts from £44,750 for a Coupe model, while Cabriolets cost from £49,246.
The 350 isn’t a full hybrid, but uses Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild hybrid system. It’s essentially a beefed-up starter motor, which combines with a larger battery pack and 48-volt onboard electronics to boost power output by 14bhp.
The E 350 Coupe and Cabriolet are available exclusively in AMG Line trim, and so come with similar specifications to the saloon – twin-screen infotainment, electrically adjustable and heated leather seats, all-round parking sensors and keyless go. 19-inch alloy wheels are also standard.
Order books are open now for both the E300 e saloon and the E 350 Coupe and Cabriolet models. First deliveries of all models will commence in Spring 2019.
