Cyndie tests Mercedes E300de T: An unusual combination of diesel and electric drive

Mercedes is the only manufacturer to build a diesel engine with a plug-in hybrid. Cyndie explains the advantages and disadvantages of this exotic drive system.

"This car here is not just a diesel, it's a very special diesel. Because it's a plug-in hybrid diesel. And that's only available from Mercedes," explains GO! tester Cyndie Allemann enthusiastically.

Technical data and driving experience

The Mercedes E300de T combines a two-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with a 95-kilowatt electric motor. This results in a system output of 230 KW (313 hp).

The combined fuel consumption according to the WLTP standard is just 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The purely electric range is up to 113 kilometers.

Cyndie was impressed by this during the driving test: "It feels really pleasant to drive. I have the power of the electric motor and can also drive purely electrically. I also have an economical diesel that can do at least 1000 km."

Challenges and expert opinions

But why are there hardly any other manufacturers offering a plug-in hybrid diesel?

Professor Engelmann, an expert in drive systems at Bern University of Applied Sciences, provides an explanation: "Diesel engines generally have much lower exhaust gas temperatures than comparable petrol engines. Exhaust gas purification in particular is much more demanding than with a comparable petrol vehicle."

These low temperatures make it difficult to clean the exhaust gases effectively, especially when the engine is started cold after electric operation.

In addition, the diesel engine is already very efficient where the electric motor could help the most.

Economic considerations

Nevertheless, the plug-in hybrid diesel remains a niche solution. This is reflected in the price.

The base price of the E300de is around 87,423 francs, while the comparable E220d without plug-in hybrid costs around 78,390 francs.

Cyndie has compared the costs and found that the additional costs for the hybrid drive are difficult to amortize.

"I would have to save around 4500 liters of diesel to make it worthwhile. That means I would have to drive around 90,000 kilometers electrically. But even then, the calculation only works out if I still get the electricity for free," she calculates.

Conclusion on the Mercedes E300de T

Cyndie's verdict is mixed. "The engine is simply louder than a normal hybrid. And that's not very sexy. It's a bit annoying, especially in a hybrid, where you're used to it being quiet and calm," she complains.

Nevertheless, she also emphasizes the positive aspects: "The electric range is very good and you always have enough power."

Ultimately, the Mercedes E300de T remains a technically impressive but expensive solution that only makes sense for a small target group.

"That's why you should really do the math to see if this very special engine makes sense for you," Cyndie concludes. For most customers, a conventional diesel or a petrol hybrid will probably remain the better choice because it is cheaper.