Eco Class from Mercedes

That's their equivalent of "having your cake and eating it".

In motoring terms it's called the new Mercedes E300 BlueTec hybrid — which the German firm claim is the most efficient large executive car in the world.

Merc are set to join the ranks of manufacturers selling hybrid-powered executive cars with this diesel-electric E-Class, and we've had a first drive in Stuttgart this week.

It delivers the ultimate premium car desirability — all the executive express quality you expect from Mercedes but with outstanding economy of and emissions of just 109g/km. The previous cleanest E-Class emitted 129g/km.

And it's not just about this E-Class. Merc are ready to roll out this technology across their entire C, E and S ranges.

That will slash fuel costs. It's just a pity they're not all ready now given the current rip-off at the pumps. First up is the E300 BlueTec. It's due on sale in July as a saloon and estate, and is engineered around the most powerful version of Mercedes' 2.2litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

The headline CO2 figure of 109g/km will make the E300 BlueTec popular with company car users.

Significantly, the E-Class has been left behind by BMW's ultra-clean 520d Efficient Dynamics — this puts Mercedes back in the game.

It emits 10g/km less than the 520d ED and the E300 does it with a more exec-friendly auto 'box. BMW's efficiency star uses a six-speed manual transmission.

Interestingly, the E300 undercuts BMW's petrol-powered Active5 Hybrid by a significant 40g/km.

As you would expect from the Mercedes, it's packed with technology and ultra-efficient. The 204bhp diesel is mated to an electric motor sited within the gearbox housing. A 19kW lithium-ion battery is said to provide an all-electric range of less than a mile at speeds below 35mph. Together, they provide the E300 with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

With a host of fuel-saving measures, including stop/start, brake energy recuperation, a "sailing" mode — which switches the drive train to electric power alone at up 100mph to conserve fuel — and low rolling resistance tyres, the 67mpg is an improvement of 9.6mpg on the existing E250 CDI saloon.

Aside from a few hybrid badges on the boot and centre console, this looks like any other E-Class and it drives much like one too. The extra 100kg added by the hybrid system hasn't impacted on the excellent ride quality. It's silent when you turn the key and goes immediately into electric mode. When the diesel kicks in, it is a bit agricultural and noisy.

At low speed manoeuvering it can be a bit jerky as the computers shuffle power around between the electric motor and engine. However, the stop/start and switch from electric to diesel power are almost seamless and, once on the go, it's the perfect mile-muncher.

The quick steering is precise and there's enough grip to give you confidence in the corners. This is comfort, class and economy with no compromise. Unlike other hybrid models — such as the Citroen DS5 and Peugeot 3008 — the Mercedes set-up doesn't intrude in the cabin or in the boot, ensuring the E-Class is as practical as ever. In estate form that means it's not only the most efficient in its class, but boasts the most boot space.

Hybrid versions of Mercedes' range are likely to be restricted to the C, E and S-Slass for cost reasons — and it has been confirmed that the next S-Class, due later this year, will be offered as Merc's first plug-in hybrid. It's due on sale in July, and is expected to cost around £38,000. That's almost £10k more than an E250 but, crucially, around the same as a well kitted-out E350 CDI — but the latter diesel model emits 162g/km.

Although the BMW Active Hybrid petrol doesn't compete on emissions or on price at £46,860 — their 520d ED remains a tough rival at £30,435.

The only other diesel hybrids are Volvo's V60 plug-in — at a whopping £47,000 when it goes on sale later this year — and sister cars the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid4 and new Citroen DS5 Hybrid4, which are now both on sale for £26,995 and £34,000.

In hybrid terms, this Mercedes is a decent price and inexpensive to run. That really is the cherry on the cake.

Читать полностью или написать коммент.. Про установку спутниковых тарелок в Московской областиhttp://tarelka-tv.ru/