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Mercedes E300 hybrid – pulling off the impossible

This E300 diesel hybrid is an extraordinary combination of luxury, performance car and frugality.
Forget preconceptions about ‘boring’ hybrids. This is just what you’d expect of a quick Mercedes saloon, but with all the hybrid’s matchless cost benefits.
Review: DAVID WILKINS<br
611_Mercedes_E300_Hybrid

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19 November 2012

 

What’s not?

  • The flip-side of the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid’s “normal” character is that it doesn’t feel or sound particularly exciting for a car with such strong performance.
  • Although the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is generally comfortable, our test car suffered a slightly crashy ride over speed bumps and similar obstacles.
  • While the E-Class’ cabin is roomy and comfortable, Mercedes’ premium rivals probably do a slightly better job of making their occupants feel special. There’s a slight tiredness to this Merc’s cabin that will need to be addressed in the inevitable mid-life update.
    Mercedes E300 diesel hybrid
    It’s comfortable and refined, but ever so slightly dated. Safety equipment ranks higher than creature comforts
  • Standard equipment levels are very high where safety features are concerned, but there are some surprising omissions when it comes to creature comforts – a digital DAB radio, for example, costs an extra £335.
  • The 100% first year writing down allowances are only available until the end of the 2012/13 tax year. From 2013 the tax break changes and the Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid no longer qualifies.
Mercedes E300 diesel hybrid
Very much the big Mercedes, so while it’s not cheap, you get an awful lot for your money when it comes to the running costs

 

Business Car Manager road test verdict

The Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid will be an interesting choice for small business owners and SME directors looking for a new company car choice.

Mercedes E300 hybrid
If you care about cars and image, the badge ticks most of the business car boxes…..

Unavoidably, the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid has a relatively high P11D value – this is a fast, expensive car, after all – but running costs and taxes should be low when set against the performance on offer.

Mercedes E300 hybrid
….and this makes it a sensible business decision

Business motorists who are 40 per cent taxpayers can expect to pay £158.33 in company car tax each month in 2012/13, and, with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 65.7 mpg, the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid should be able to go for a long time between fill-ups – especially if the optional 80-litre fuel tank, which costs £100, is fitted.

The Mercedes badge, too, still counts for much in the company car park, but businesses might not wish to pay the extra business car finance cost of the Hybrid model over an E 220 or E 250 CDI where a monthly lease is some £70 a month less, despite the huge company car tax benefits to the driver.

Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – the low down

P11D Value £ 39,590
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) From £468 a month (3yrs/30,000 miles)
Company car tax bands 2012/13 to 2014/15 12%, 13%, 14%
BIK tax £4,751, £5,147, £5,543
Engine 2.15-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel-electric hybrid
CO2 109 g/km
Power/torque 204 PS/250 Nm (diesel engine), 27 PS/500 Nm (electric motor)
0-62mph 7.5 seconds/150mph
Economy 65.7mpg

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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