Mercedes Clase E Hybrid and GL 350 CDI, first drive in Lalín

Putting the final full stop on the day that Mercedes-Benz España gave us in Lalín a few weeks ago, we now turn to two interesting new releases from the star brand. The first is a hybrid that combines a diesel engine and an electric motor, and the second is a luxury off-roader with seven seats.

After testing the Mercedes Citan, we got behind the wheel of the Mercedes Clase E300 Bluetec Hybrid and the Mercedes GL350 CDI Bluetec. That said, before going into depth on the two models, the German brand’s representatives previewed the new releases we can expect next year, highlights being the CLA arriving in March and the new S-Class arriving in July.

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid

One of the most important saloons in the German manufacturer’s range is the E-Class. Given its size (larger than a C-Class but without reaching the price or size of the S-Class), it is a good car for those seeking space and comfort on the road.

It features a curious hybrid system that combines the well-known 2.2-litre engine producing 204 CV with an electric motor capable of delivering 27 CV. The hybridisation is modular: the electric motor sits between the gearbox and the engine, while the battery is placed in the engine bay so as not to take away interior or boot space.

Performance as a hybrid is not especially noteworthy, but we would need a full test to analyse the consumption savings of this version. In fully electric mode it can only move for 1 km, although the interesting part comes when “coasting“, that is, when cruising on motorways we can run in fully electric mode up to 160 km/h and for around 35 km (provided we don’t need much power).

Behind the wheel in Comfort it still feels like an E-Class. The difference is noticed in the feel of the brake pedal, which is now regenerative, and in the engine sound, which is a little noisier than a typical diesel powerplant (and that surprised us; I don’t rule out that it was an isolated problem with the test unit).

As for the figures, during the road test consumption hovered around 10 litres per 100 km. In any case it is not a very reliable figure, since it would need testing under proper conditions, on the motorway (where I see the system being most useful) or in town.

Mercedes GL 350 CDI Bluetec, luxurious giant

The Mercedes GL has received a significant update affecting both design and new equipment and trims. This off-roader measures over 5 metres and weighs 2.5 tonnes, although behind the wheel those figures seem to shrink.

Interior quality is on a par with an S-Class; it is the summit of Mercedes off-roaders and it shows. Every control and every finish surrounding the driver and passengers is properly executed, in line with what you expect from the car (and it has to be said, with what you pay).

During the brief first drive I was able to confirm firsthand that on the road it is a much nimbler car than its weight or size figures might suggest. The unit we tested had adaptive suspension, which in addition to several modes for off-road driving also included a Sport mode that made the suspension considerably firmer.

Particularly in Sport mode, and driving the GL along a winding road, it surprises pleasantly how well it behaves and above all how it holds its line. As for consumption, the homologated figure is 7.4 litres.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira