The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Plug-In Hybrid Saloon: The Complete Guide For India

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The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Saloon PHEV

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Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.

Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:

• Mercedes A-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes A-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes B-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Estate PHEV
• Mercedes S-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake PHEV
• Mercedes GLA SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes GLE SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLE Coupé PHEV

The Mercedes-Benz E Class premium saloon is currently in its fifth generation. It was first introduced in 2016. The E Class includes both a petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.

The PHEV has a 13.5 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission range up to 52 km (WLTP certified). Of course, the real-world range will depend on a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather and road condition etc. Assuming a 45 km electric range is more realistic. In any case, for shorter distances, driving in cities and towns, the 45 – 52 km electric range is sufficient.  

The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the zero-emission range. Do keep in mind that driving the PHEV on the electric mode will result in lower tailpipe emissions and cost savings.

Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 1.5 l/100km for the E300e and 1.2 l/100km for the E300de. But achieving this will require using the onboard electric motor, powered by the EV battery on a regular basis. As is the case with the real-world pure electric range, expect the real-world fuel economy to be less efficient than the manufacturer claimed figures. However, the PHEV will deliver an improved fuel economy compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.

The EV has a 7.4 kW onboard charger and can be charged 10% to 100% via a dedicated residential EV charger like Easee One in 90 minutes. Though the PHEV can also be charged using a conventional 3-PIN domestic plug (10% – 100%: 5 hrs), we at e-zoomed discourage the use domestic plugs for charging electric cars. Despite the price tag, the electric car is not compatible for rapid DC charging.

Both the petrol E300e PHEV and the diesel E300de PHEV, pair a 2.0-litre (4 cylinder) combustion engine with an electric motor (90 kW). The E300e PHEV delivers a combined system output up to 320 HP (700 Nm torque) and the E300de PHEV delivers a combined system output up to 306 HP (700 Nm torque).

The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The petrol plug-in hybrid has a top speed up to 250 km/h. The diesel plug-in hybrid has a top speed up to 240 km/h. In electric mode, the top speed is over 128 km/h.

As can be expected from Mercedes, the E 300 PHEV has a luxurious interior and technology-laden, to include: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) – controlled via voice or touch input, the innovative infotainment system can over time even predict personal habits thanks to artificial intelligence.

Other standard specifications include, active brake assist, blind spot assist, wireless charging, ambient lighting (staged – 64 colours), KEYLESS-GO starting function and high-resolution multimedia colour display.

The PHEV is practical for families and can comfortably seat adults in the rear seats (ample legroom and headroom). The boot space for the EV is smaller than the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, due to the EV battery. Nevertheless, the 370 litres available is practical. The EV is also well suited as a company car, given the savings on BIK tax compared to a conventional ICE car.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 35g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
A good executive saloon, high quality interiors and standard equipment	Limited electric range given the price tag
Available as both petrol and diesel PHEVs	Not compatible for DC charging
Good fuel efficiency for its class	On-board charger limited to 7.4 kW

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The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Saloon PHEV (credit: Mercedes)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	Saloon
Engine:	Petrol-Electric/ Diesel-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (1 Option)
Mercedes-Benz E 300 (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 13.5 kWh
Charging:	On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins). DC charging not available
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	35g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	6 years or 100,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1475
Width (mm):	2065
Length (mm):	4935
Wheelbase (mm):	2939
Turning Circle (m):	11.6
Boot capacity (L):	370

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E 300e
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	52 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	19.9 – 19.7
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.5
Charging:	On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins). DC charging not available
Top Speed:	250 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.9 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90
Max Power (hp):	320 (system output)
Torque (Nm):	700 (system output)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	4
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,990
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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E 300de
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	51 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	20.6 – 20.4
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.2
Charging:	On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins). DC charging not available
Top Speed:	240 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.9 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90
Max Power (hp):	306 (system output)
Torque (Nm):	700 (system output)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	4
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,060
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)

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The past few years, in particular, 2020 and 2021, have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Major global economies, to include, the United States and the European Union, have documented a surge in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

In many of these countries, lower emission to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) now account for up to 15% of annual new vehicle registrations, and in some countries like Norway, even greater than 50%.

This is not a short-term trend. Instead, it is the emergence of a long-term shift towards cleaner forms of travel. Though there are many reasons to own an electric vehicle (EV), we list below some of the key reasons fuelling consumer demand for EVs.

1). Vast choice of electric vehicles

It is true, that in India, the choice of electric vehicles is still restricted, compared to international markets. In India, we have access to only up to 15 electric vehicle models to include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tata Nexon EV. However, in many of the matured international markets, the choice of pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars are up to 200 models. We expect this to only increase! However, we do hope India will see an increase in the variety and supply of EVs on sale, giving consumers a greater choice.

2). Increased zero-emission range

The emission-free driving range of electric cars have improved significantly in recent years, and the latest models of EVs can achieve well over 200 miles (WLTP), if not over 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. In general, EV battery size and efficiency have improved. As an example, the all-electric Kia e-Niro compact SUV has a range of 282 miles. The best-selling pure electric Nissan Leaf has an electric range of 239 miles on a single charge. Of course, the likes of Tesla electric cars have a range well over 300 miles on a single charge!

3). Increased public charging infrastructure

Yes, it is true that the public charging infrastructure in India is at a nascent stage, but in a number of international markets, AC fast charging and DC rapid charging stations are now widespread. As an example, in the UK, there are as many public charging stations as there are petrol pumps! This increase in charging accessibility has driven confidence in consumers who were hesitant to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars i.e. no more range anxiety! Of course, many homes in the UK also have a dedicated EV charger. For EVs to succeed in India, the deployment of public and home EV charging infrastructure is mandatory.

4). Lower running and maintenance costs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The lower number of moving parts has reduced the maintenance burden of EVs, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Electric cars are also cheap to drive. At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

5). Lower air pollution

However, in our view the greatest benefit of driving electric vehicles, in particular, pure electric vehicles, is the absence of tailpipe emissions. Electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. reducing air pollution. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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