Diesel Hybrid E-class?
Discussion
I'm looking at E-Class 2.1 E300dh BlueTECs - has anyone run one of these?
Am I right in thinking that rather than being "plug in" these kinds of hybrids charge the battery from the engine and then swap to it (either partly or fully) at opportune moments to raise the mpg?
60+ mpg seems pretty good for a big comfy estate.
Am I right in thinking that rather than being "plug in" these kinds of hybrids charge the battery from the engine and then swap to it (either partly or fully) at opportune moments to raise the mpg?
60+ mpg seems pretty good for a big comfy estate.
MrsLT ran a pre-facelift version of that (2013 model IIRC) from new.
It was basically Merc’s first stab at hybrids and we didn’t find the hybrid technology entirely reliable (several times it failed to transition from hybrid to combustion, which is obviously quite a bad thing to have happen rather than a mere inconvenience). Dealer/MB response was not entire reassuring.
I’d expect significantly newer ones are improved but I’d certainly find it hard to recommend buying one of that era.
It was basically Merc’s first stab at hybrids and we didn’t find the hybrid technology entirely reliable (several times it failed to transition from hybrid to combustion, which is obviously quite a bad thing to have happen rather than a mere inconvenience). Dealer/MB response was not entire reassuring.
I’d expect significantly newer ones are improved but I’d certainly find it hard to recommend buying one of that era.
I had one as a 3 month rental on a contract I did and claimed mileage.
Per the OBC it was doing 57mpg equivalent ( it was in NL / DE) , but the reality on paper was quite a bit less.
First off the odometer was quite a way out, only noticed when claiming expenses in concur that gave notably different mileage for same journey.
And the tank to tank also suggested fuel use under read on OBC.
In my useage it was actually just shy of 50mpg, still pretty good but 15percent plus lower than the OBC said!
Rental company said it could be recalibrated if it was important to a hirer, not sure how true that is. Didn’t bother me at the time.
Per the OBC it was doing 57mpg equivalent ( it was in NL / DE) , but the reality on paper was quite a bit less.
First off the odometer was quite a way out, only noticed when claiming expenses in concur that gave notably different mileage for same journey.
And the tank to tank also suggested fuel use under read on OBC.
In my useage it was actually just shy of 50mpg, still pretty good but 15percent plus lower than the OBC said!
Rental company said it could be recalibrated if it was important to a hirer, not sure how true that is. Didn’t bother me at the time.
Edited by poo at Paul's on Saturday 9th July 08:40
Just returned our 300de hybrid - bought in 2020, ran on a 2 year lease. 21 mile effective battery range, takes around 6-8 hours to charge off a regular 3 pin wall socket. In 2 years an 16k miles of driving it did 12k on the battery only, so used in that kind of way a very economical car.
There are major changes through the generations as battery tech improves markedly.
If you don’t plug it in it will do around 40mpg- so these kind of cars are only worth it if you;re making sure you charge it from the wall socket. If you;re on street parking and can’t plug it in then you;re just driving a regular 4 pot diesel that’s lugging around an extra 150kg load…
There are major changes through the generations as battery tech improves markedly.
If you don’t plug it in it will do around 40mpg- so these kind of cars are only worth it if you;re making sure you charge it from the wall socket. If you;re on street parking and can’t plug it in then you;re just driving a regular 4 pot diesel that’s lugging around an extra 150kg load…
The major downside is the large chunk it takes out of the boot (no more flat throug-loading either) and the compromised handling with the battery at the rear. The Volvo V60/V90 have the least compromised boot/handling due to the batteries in the 'transmission tunnels, but sadly are petrol only in the latest model.
As for MPG, if you fill up more than once a week in your current car it won't beat an E220 for economy by much and the list price is significant. This model is for those who are used to a 520D/E220D and want to buy another diesel but need to put it through the company. Don't expect MPG savings once the battery has depleted, as the regen energy recuperated when slowing down needs to compensate for the extra weight of the hybrid stuff when accelerating.
As for MPG, if you fill up more than once a week in your current car it won't beat an E220 for economy by much and the list price is significant. This model is for those who are used to a 520D/E220D and want to buy another diesel but need to put it through the company. Don't expect MPG savings once the battery has depleted, as the regen energy recuperated when slowing down needs to compensate for the extra weight of the hybrid stuff when accelerating.
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