W213 Mercedes-Benz E300e and E300de debut – new plug-in hybrid models with up to 320 PS, 1.6 l/100 km

Aside from the reveal of the W205 Mercedes-Benz C 300 de, the German automaker also touched upon two new plug-in hybrid models under the E-Class family – the E 300 e and E 300 de.

Both models feature the company’s third-generation hybrid solutions that was previewed in Geneva this year, starting with a reworked nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission that integrates a 122 PS (121 hp/90 kW)/440 Nm electric motor, torque converter and clutch into a single unit for better packaging.

The electric motor draws power from a large 13.5 kWh battery, which is larger than the 6.4 kWh unit previously due to modified cell chemistry. It also gets the water-cooled on-board 7.4 kW charger, allowing it to be charged from 10 to 100% in about 1.5 hours using the latest 22 kW Wallbox, or around five hours using a conventional power socket. These aspects are a significant step up from what was present on the E 350 e.

The E 300 de, as the name suggests, comes equipped with a diesel engine. In this case, it is the same OM654 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel also used in the C 300 de. On its own, the mill makes 194 PS (191 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, but with the e-motor, the total output is 306 PS (302 hp) and 700 Nm.

In terms of performance, the E 300 de will complete the century sprint in 5.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h. Other facts and figures include an all-electric range of up to 54 km, 1.6 l/100 km fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 41 g/km.

Meanwhile, the E 300 e employs a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine (likely the M274 DE20 LA) with 211 PS (208 hp) and 350 Nm, with a total system output rated at 320 PS (315 hp) and 700 Nm. Compared to the E 300 de, the petrol-powered model is faster from 0-100 km/h, taking 5.7 seconds to do so.

It shares the same top speeds (250 km/h in normal mode; over 130 km/h in electric-only mode) with the oil burner car, but has a higher claimed fuel consumption (2.0 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions (45 g/km). The touted electric range is also slightly less at 50 km. By comparison, the E 350 e’s total system output is just 286 PS (282 hp) and 550 Nm, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.2 seconds. It also travels less on electricity alone at up to 33 km and does 2.1 l/100 km.

Like on the C 300 de, there are four operating modes for the powertrain, including Hybrid, which is the default setting; E-Mode that allows for all-electric driving; E-Save to reverse the charged battery until needed; and Charge that charges the battery while driving. There’s also an ECO Assist system to ensure those behind the wheel are driving in the most efficient manner possible.

For now, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed when a market launch for both models will take place. Based on available information, the E 300 e will be offered as sedan first, while the E 300 de comes in sedan and estate body styles.

GALLERY: W213 Mercedes-Benz E 300 e

GALLERY: W213 Mercedes-Benz E 300 de

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