Merc poised for Irish launch of new hybrid

Mercedes Benz is poised to launch what it claims is the world’s most economical luxury-class hybrid, its new diesel-powered E300 BlueTec Hybrid, on the Irish market.

The new E300 Hybrid delivers fuel consumption of just 4.2l of diesel per 100km, equivalent to 70 miles per gallon in old terms, and emissions of only 109g CO2/km.

Available in saloon and estate, the E300 Hybrid combines the power of a 2.2l four-cylinder diesel engine, developing 204bhp with the energy of a 20kW electric motor.

Powered and charged by its own motion, without need of any external charging points, and unrestricted in terms of driving distance, the E300 Hybrid is a self-contained unit that links the fuel economy of a diesel engine over long distances with the advantages of an efficient hybrid in city and stop/go traffic.

With an anticipated price tag of just over €51,000 the new E300 Hybrid will have annual road tax of €160.