Mercedes-Benz has revealed prices and specifications for its new E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, starting from £39,645 on the road for the saloon, and £41,435 for the estate.
Mercedes has also announced that the BlueTEC Hybrid, which the company has labelled as 'the most efficient E-Class production car yet created', is due to be delivered to the UK at the start of November. BIK rates range from 12 per cent.
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Standard equipment on the E 300 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, but buyers will have the option to have 16-inch wheels fitted - free of charge - to get the lowest possible CO2 and economy figures from the model.
Other standard equipment includes leather upholstery, Becker Map Pilot Navigation and LED daytime running lights.
The most impressive feature of the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid though is its engine, which is capable of achieving 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle, emitting as little as 109g/km of CO2. It can also reach 0-62mph in 7.5-seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 150mph. The Estate hits 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and can reach 144mph.
The BlueTEC Hybrid has a highly-efficient 2,143cc, four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. A 20 kW electric motor is mounted in the car's 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission system, which is powered by a 19kW Lithium-ion battery.
The Hybrid system has been fitted to make sure that it doesn't impact on the car's load capacity or versatility in any way, according to Mercedes.
The torque converter typically located in the gearbox has been substituted by a wet clutch system, meaning the internal combustion engine can be disengaged via the clutch, boosting economy by making the car an electric-only drive for small periods.
Mercedes-Benz first revealed its luxury hybrid range in January this year, with the E 300 BlueTEC making its debut at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.
You can get a complete overview of the Mercedes-Benz E Class range, including reviews, opinions, styles, derivatives and more right here on MotorTorque.
Written by John Meadowcroft