2013 Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID combines the excellent fuel economy of the 4‑cylinder diesel engine over long distances (motorway, inter-urban) with the advantages of an efficient hybrid in city and stop & go traffic. It therefore exhibits impressive efficiency with no compromises: thanks to the compact hybrid concept there are no restrictions in terms of spaciousness, comfort and safety.

In the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) with a powerful hybrid module. Its 20 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating (boost effect) and, in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy, although it is also suitable for driving under electric power alone. Based on the modular hybrid principle developed by Mercedes-Benz, this diesel hybrid is starting a new era in hybrid drive systems. The fuel consumption of the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2: 109 g/km).

In combination with 7G-TRONIC, a wet start-up clutch and the lithium-ion battery, the intelligent modular hybrid system requires little installation space and weighs around 100 kg. As in all Mercedes-Benz hybrid models, the hybrid components have all the features of the extensive “7-stage safety concept”.

In time for the market launch the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID will receive an environmental certificate according to ISO standard TR 14062. The certification by the neutral examiners at “TÜV Süd” attests to the brand’s commitment to comprehensive environmental protection, which is enshrined in the operating guidelines for the entire Daimler group. In this process the company takes the environmental effects of a vehicle into account throughout its lifecycle – from development and production to use and eventual disposal.

In Germany the Saloon version of the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID costs € 51,794.75, the Estate version € 55,007.75 (both incl. 19% VAT).

The philosophy: enhanced efficiency without compromising on comfort or utility

The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID forms part of the brand’s downsizing strategy, which involves making conventional models perform far more efficiently than previously – without sacrificing driveability or comfort. Here the company’s engineers have their sights set on fuel consumption figures in everyday traffic, rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption. The familiar “Real Life Safety” philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash-test results, is augmented by “Real Life Efficiency”.

The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is based on the E250 CDI, yet has a higher output and approx. 15 percent lower fuel consumption.

On the road therefore, the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is comparable to the E300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm), yet it boasts around 35 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of vehicle weight too, the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is on a par with the E300 CDI.

At the same time, hybridisation enhances ride comfort: the car starts and moves off in virtual silence, while the hybrid module also dampens any internal combustion engine vibrations. What’s more, full climate control is available even in start/stop mode.

Sailing along the motorway

Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance both comfort and efficiency, as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness:

• When the car is stationary – ECO start/stop: the internal combustion engine can be switched off when coasting on the overrun at speeds up to 160 km/h, since ancillaries such as the steering, brakes and refrigerant compressor operate electrically. It is restarted quickly, smoothly and virtually silently.
• Manoeuvring: in most cases the car uses electric power alone for manoeuvring and parking.
• Accelerating: electrical power alone is used for moving off and driving under low load. Acceleration from standstill is particularly powerful, since the electric motor’s full torque of up to 250 Nm is immediately available.
• Boost function: the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, e.g. when overtaking.
• Cruising: when the car is being driven at a constant speed, the engine control unit shifts the operating points towards exceptionally low specific fuel consumption levels.
• Sailing: “sailing”, as it has come to be known, is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric‑motor alone until the battery needs recharging.
• Kinetic energy recuperation when coasting or braking: when the car is coasting (decelerating on the overrun), the electric motor acts as a generator. When the brake pedal is depressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes also operated.
• Information: an additional economy effect arises after a relatively short period of time, as drivers come to apply the above-stated functions in an increasingly more purposeful and effective manner. They are supported here by the display concept in the hybrid models – the central display provides information on the current energy flow and the charge status of the battery.