KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — Continuing from the hugely successful S 400 L Hybrid launched in 2014, Mercedes-Benz is now introducing its second hybrid-powered model in Malaysia, namely the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid which, like the S 400 L, is locally-assembled and consequently enjoys import and excise duty exemptions for energy efficient vehicles (EEV) under the current National Automotive Policy.

Unlike the S 400 L however, or indeed most other hybrid models which Malaysians are familiar with, the E 300 BlueTEC uniquely features a diesel engine, in this case, its proven 2.1-litre four-cylinder unit rated at 204hp and 500Nm. 

Supplementing the engine is a 20kW electric motor that is able to power the car on its own at speeds up to 35 km/h for a maximum distance of one kilometre. 

The most important function of the electric motor is to enable the E 300 to start off from standstill in complete silence without the start-up vibrations of the diesel engine.

Drive is to the rear wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s in-house 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, but with one crucial difference — its torque converter is replaced by a wet clutch followed by the compact 3-phase electric motor installed within the clutch housing between the engine and transmission. 

The new variant comes fitted with the AMG Sports package as standard, which also includes 18-inch alloy rims with staggered tyre sizes, enlarged front disc brakes, and an AMG steering wheel with paddle shifters. — Pic courtesy of Mercedes Benz Malaysia

This configuration allowed Mercedes to package the hybrid module with little modifications to the E-Class’ existing body structure as the entire assembly stretches only 65mm longer than it would have without the motor.

A number of functions and programmes have been built into the powertrain’s set up in order to maximise its performance and economy potential. 

The electric motor’s usefully instantaneous 250Nm of torque allows smooth zero-fuel standing starts and also to power the vehicle exclusively in low load conditions. On hard acceleration, the motor’s torque contribution then serves to lighten the engine’s load. A built-in eco start/stop feature also serves to deactivate the combustion engine when stationary or coasting at speeds up to 160 km/h.

The inherently frugal nature of its diesel engine further combined with the assistance of electric power makes the E 300 BlueTEC an exceptionally economical vehicle, with a rated fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100km in the new European combined driving cycle; not bad for a vehicle with a top speed of 242 km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.1 seconds. 

Last July, Andrew Frankel of Autocar UK famously drove an example of this model from Morocco all the way to the United Kingdom with just one tank of fuel covering approximately 1,968km.

“The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid represents the continuation of our hybrid offensive strategy, as we further consolidate our lead position in the luxury and efficiency category. It is the first diesel hybrid model from a premium manufacturer, which also marks the return of Mercedes-Benz’s diesel engines in Malaysia,” said Roland S. Folger, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

He added, “Having also invested in a considerable amount to bring another locally-assembled hybrid variant to the local market, we are proud to be able to qualify and receive full duty exemptions and contribute in Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a regional Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub.”

Other high quality functional appointments include hands-free boot access, 360-degree Surround View Camera, Rear Seat Entertainment, Attention Assist, and Collision Prevention Assist. — Pic courtesy of Mercedes Benz Malaysia

To match its highly advanced running gear, Mercedes-Benz has accordingly selected the specifications of the E 300 BlueTEC for Malaysia with correspondingly impressive levels of equipment. Like with the E 400, the new variant comes fitted with the AMG Sports package as standard which, in addition to aesthetic body kits, also includes 18-inch alloy rims with staggered tyre sizes, enlarged front disc brakes, and an AMG steering wheel with paddle shifters. Other high quality functional appointments include hands-free boot access, 360-degree Surround View Camera, Rear Seat Entertainment, Attention Assist, and Collision Prevention Assist. Lastly, it also features Active Parking Assist with automated control of brakes and steering for both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Thanks to its incentives under the National Automotive Policy, the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is available at a very competitive price, especially considering its generous equipment, of RM348,888 on-the-road without insurance. This price makes it more affordable not only relative to its rivals, but also other variants in the E-Class range as well, as the most affordable regular E-Class variant, the E 200 Avantgarde, is priced at RM366,888.