Mercedes-Benz, in an attempt to promote the fuel economy of its Europe-only E300 BlueTEC Hybrid, took the car on an 830-mile journey from the U.K.'s most northern airport to the southernmost airport in Scotland. The car achieved this trip on a single tank of fuel, averaging 56mpg (67.3mpg as per the Imperial gallon, as used in Europe), or exactly as advertised.
During the journey, the car had to contend with stop-and-go traffic, poor weather, and other day-to-day calamities that are detrimental to attaining good fuel economy. What's more, the car was driven to a top speed of 136mph on the runway of Newquay Cornwall Airport. At the end of its two-day travel, it posted a 120mph top speed at Wick Airport in Scotland due to the shorter runway. The car's advertised top speed is 150mph, while the 0 to 62mph sprint is said to take 7.5 seconds.
At the end of the trip, the tank still had a quarter of its capacity left, indicating the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid could go as far as 1,100 miles before stopping to refuel.
Ex-rally driver Mick Linford drove the most economical E-class over the two days.
The car uses a four-cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor mounted inside its 7-speed automatic transmission. Instead of a traditional torque converter, the gearbox uses a wet clutch system that allows it to totally disengage the engine. The car is rated at 204 horsepower and 369lb-ft of torque. Prices start at £39,645 (about $64,300) for the sedan and £41,435 (nearly $67,200) for the station wagon, though this is an "on-the-road" price which includes all local fees and taxes.
