Mercedes C 300 De

FIRST DRIVE Estate proves diesel-hybrid power is a winner

- John McIlroy

HYBRIDS, whether they’re plug-in or so-called‘self-charging’, tend to be based on petrol engines these days. But Mercedes believes buyers want a choice of electrified powertrain, so it’s offering its recently face lifted C-Class with both petrol and diesel hybrid options.

There’s the C300 e on the way if you want petrol, but here we’re trying the diesel, which is badged C300 de. It mixes the brand’s latest four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 302bhp and a not-inconsiderable 700Nm of torque.