Could plug-in hybrids be on the verge of a popularity surge? It’s a strong possibility. Numerous automotive consumers are presently hesitant to commit to entirely electric vehicles due to concerns about progressing technology and the delay in infrastructure’s development.
Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, were once dismissed as “pseudo-electric cars” by key environmental research group Transport & Environment. However, new models are beginning to emerge with significantly extensive electric operating distances owing to larger batteries.
Furthermore, the outdated criticism that “PHEVs are returned with their charging cords still in their packaging” seems to dismiss the likelihood that a number of individuals were utilising charging stations with integrated cables.
Indeed, PHEVs’ appeal has grown in Ireland. Up to this point in the current year, sales of brand-new electric cars have declined by 15 per cent, though PHEVs have seen a rise of 8.3 per cent.
Venturing into this sporadically political quagmire is the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class. We’ve previously tested the diesel-fuelled model (yes, diesel E models are still available) yet this is the newest E300e, a plug-in hybrid combining petrol and electricity.
This isn’t the first time a plug-in hybrid E-Class has been launched, though it’s surely a more refined iteration. The battery’s capacity has been boosted to 24kWh, enabling a claimed range of 116km for the E300e.
It’s becoming increasingly common for people to be sceptical about advertised electric ranges – for both PHEVs and entirely electric cars – these are frequently deemed as ‘fiction’. Though with this E300e, it’s more akin to fact-based fiction.
No, we were unable to achieve 116km on a single charge, but beginning with a fully charged battery, we made our way up the M1 motorway from Dublin Airport in pouring rain, maintaining the legal speed limit when the traffic eased enough, all while the heating system and seat warmers were in operation due to the chilly weather.
With a 90-kilometre electric driving range, this vehicle could almost take you to the Border before needing to switch to its petrol engine. For the remaining journey, it stays economical at 4.8 litres per 100 km fuel consumption. Naturally, the fuel economy would reduce if you embarked on your journey with a discharged battery. However, this illustrates the potential of PHEVs function practically as electric vehicles most of the time. The vehicle’s 90 kilometres motorway range could be approximately equivalent to 100 kilometres of slower roads or city streets. As a result, this PHEV could realistically get you to the end of the week without using petrol, given that you have charging facilities at work or home.
The battery in this test vehicle can charge at a fairly rapid 11kW on AC power, requiring just over two hours to achieve a full charge. There’s also the alternative to increase this to 55kW with DC fast-chargers, but be ready for Nissan Leaf owners to be less-than-pleased about this usage.
Aboard, the E300e doesn’t indicate economisation despite the recorded fuel figures. It adorns synthetic leather seats, agreeably soft and supportive, with a beautiful caramel brown finish. An optional ‘superscreen’ was seen in our test vehicle. Though less extravagant compared to the ‘hyperscreens’ seen in the S-Class and EQS models, the separate driver’s display screen sits behind the wheel. The remainder of the dashboard houses the main infotainment screen and an auxiliary passenger-side screen beneath a shared cover. Despite its impressive appearance, the additional screen seemed unnecessary, as it didn’t catch the attention of my 13-year-old.
With commendable refinement, the E330 shines. When required, the four-cylinder petrol engine can become a touch more audible, but certain trade-offs were necessary to create such a proficient plug-in hybrid.
The primary issue with the E300e is the lack of space, most evident in the smaller boot. Due to the large battery, the boot space is cut down to just 360 litres from the 550 litres usually seen in diesel or petrol E-Class cars. Although this problem can partially be resolved by opting for the E-Class estate which permits loading above the luggage cover, the limited rear seating remains an issue – a concern that has been common since the roomy W212 model ended production in 2016.
Another problem lies in the vehicle’s ride quality. A common occurrence in PHEVs and electric cars that utilise the same platform as those with internal combustion engines. Managing the requirements of a comfortable ride and controlling the additional weight of the hybrid system and battery present difficulties. Although the E300e which weighs around 2.3 tones, does not offer a rough ride, it tends to be slightly uneven which reads as slightly unfitting for an E-Class car. Opting for the Airmatic air suspension may solve this, but it’s an expensive fix.
On the handling and performance part, the E300e shines. It delivers better than anticipated steering and robust performance. The car’s weight does limit the fun driving it, but with a combined petrol and electric output of 313hp and 550Nm of torque, it easily overcomes its substantial kerb weight. With a motorway cruising capacity from its 95kW of power, even on just electric mode.
Lastly, the question arises if the E300e promotes the advantages of plug-in hybrids? To an extent, I’d say it does. It offers useful and effective electric range, making it possible to rarely use the petrol engine. It also remains efficient on extended travels when necessary.
Nevertheless, the phrase ‘it’s all in the way you use it’ serves as a constant caution. PHEVs, even one as excellent as this, can only contribute to environmental preservation if their batteries are consistently replenished, allowing for maximal electric usage. This isn’t something that you get an option with in pure-battery models.
Bearing this warning in mind, the E300e is rather skillful and boasts truly exceptional comprehensive performance. If only they remedied the shallow boot problem by offering an estate version, I’d leave satisfied.
Specs: Mercedes-Benz E300e AMG Line Plus
This beast derives its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a 95kW motor. A 24.0kWh lithium-ion battery is on board, producing 313hp and a torque of 550Nm, which powers the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It achieves CO2 emissions (annual motor tax) of 13g/km (€140), a fuel efficiency of 0.96l/100km (WLTP), and an electric range of 116km (WLTP). This model speeds from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds.
Pricing starts from €87,571 for the tested model, with the E-Class starting from €79,785.
Our judgement is a 4/5.
The final verdict is that with its elegant interior and an impressively efficient hybrid system with a 100km range, it’s a must-have, albeit the optional air springs that it could do with.