Road test: Mercedes-Benz E300 Bluetec Hybrid car review

The rivals

• Audi A6 2.0 TFSI Hybrid
• BMW 530d SE auto
• Lexus GS 300h Luxury

P11d price

Our selection is a mixed bag of hybrid and diesel with a wide variety of P11D values. The E-Class looks good value.
GS 300h    £37,440
E300    £39,825
530d    £40,870
A6    £43,780


Tax and CO2

The new Lexus hybrid runs the E-Class close for CO2 emissions. Standard diesel 530d and A6 hybrid are well adrift.
E300    109g/km/13%
GS 300h    113g/km/14%
530d    134g/km/21%
A6    145g/km/21%

Fuel costs

As the E-Class burns diesel more frugally than the GS 300, it proves the cheapest for fuel costs, of course, based on official mpg.
E300    9.12ppm/£7,296
GS 300h    10.34ppm/£8,272
530d    11.34ppm/£9,072
A6    13.06ppm/10,448£19,695

Running costs

A strong residual value for the E-Class as well as lower fuel costs give it a decisive win when looking at all running costs.
E300    48.67ppm/£38,936
GS 300h    51.11ppm/£40,888
530d    54.1ppm/£43,280
A6    60.59ppm/£48,472

Leasing rates

The E300 is a little less expensive to lease than a 530d. Data from www.comparecontracthire.com.
E300    £534 (Fleet Hire)
530d    £545 (BMW)
GS 300h    £596 (Days)
A6    £651 (Days)

Verdict

Facelifted after just a few months on sale, the E300 Bluetec Hybrid seems to fend off the attack successfully from petrol-electric hybrids and traditional diesel.
Winner: E300