Driven: Mercedes-Benz E300 Bluetec Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz will soon be advising its customers to take up ‘sailing’ in a bid to cut the cost of premium sector motoring.

Tapping a lever is all it takes to put the transmission of the latest E-Class luxury model into a special coasting mode that shuts down the engine during main road travel to achieve a spectacular reduction in fuel consumption.

Called sail, the clever extension of increasingly popular engine stop-start gadgetry is a unique function included as standard on the new E300 Bluetec Hybrid, a remarkable diesel-electric variant that sets fresh standards in upmarket business travel.

Fully compliant with road traffic regulations, the device uses the car’s electric motor to help maintain cruising speeds of up to 100mph and the 2.2-litre engine fires up again only on inclines or when battery power runs low.

Silent and smooth, the switches between power sources are imperceptible with only the swing of the rev counter needle letting the driver know the engine is back in operation.

“Our tests show the sail feature can provide savings of up to 7%,” E-Class strategic manager Michael Weiss told Fleet News at the media preview of the hybrid saloon and estate range in Germany.

“We think the time is right to introduce this technology and are confident it will be welcomed by business drivers.”

Modular packaging allows the hybrid’s 27bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery to be housed alongside the 204bhp engine under the bonnet to eliminate the traditional hybrid compromise on space for passengers or luggage.

With a seamless flow of power, the ubiquitous Mercedes twin-stage turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel motor proves a delight in its latest guise.

It operates in subdued fashion at all speeds and electric-only operation makes the car completely silent on initial acceleration and during parking manoeuvres.

“As a result, we’re starting a fresh era in hybrid drive systems and have a clear lead with the saloon,” said product manager Andreas Kleinkauf.

“And this layout also means the estate becomes the biggest load carrier of its type in the world. I think these cars will attract considerable interest in the UK, which is one of our biggest markets.”

Order books are now open for the E300, which is the most efficient luxury class car on the market with up to 67.3mpg economy and 109g/km tailpipe emissions.

By Maurice Glover