2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

 Inside, things are as plush and refined as ever, with generous amounts of wood and chrome trim creating a decadent environment. Notable new touches include a revised steering wheel, a classy, Art Deco-inspired clock and a reworked center stack with more intuitive controls. Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system remains; controlled either by voice commands, a central knob or steering wheel-mounted buttons, it integrates the sedan's audio, navigation and Bluetooth-based connectivity functions into a single unit - a seven-inch display screen mounted on the dashboard.

An optional mbrace system adds a host of cloud-based goodies, including a concierge service, location-based traffic and weather updates, stolen vehicle location assistance, automatic collision notification and more. Available apps add internet browsing, Google local search with street view, Yelp reviews, Facebook access and news reports. Owners can even use an mbrance smartphone app to remotely lock, unlock or locate their E-Class.

A wide variety of optional extras can be spec'd to enhance the E-Class experience, including premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-speaker Harman/kardon surround sound system and a rear seat video entertainment system.

The E400’s hybrid system is an evolution of the larger S400’s setup (as opposed to the more complex unit in the last-gen ML450 hybrid). The S-class pairs a 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a 20-hp electric motor, while the E400 gets a 302-hp, direct-injection, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 27-hp electric motor. In both cars, the motor is sandwiched between the gas engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The major difference between the two systems has to do with their respective electric motors and their operating capabilities. The S400’s motor produces 118 lb-ft of torque, while the E’s makes 184. The S400 can’t move without the gas engine firing, but the E400 can go up to 22 mph and cover up to half a mile on the electric motor alone. As in the S400, a stop/start system and regenerative braking are standard in the E400, and both cars house their lithium-ion battery packs in the engine bay. This placement means they avoid the reduction in trunk space that most other hybrids suffer.

Standard Engine 3.5L V6
Standard Transmission 7 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 6
Horsepower @RPM -19@-19
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 24/30
Combined Fuel Economy 26
EPA Class Mid-Size
Number of Valves 24
Fuel Type System Hybrid Gas/Electric / DI
Turbo
Overdrive Transmission
Compression 12.0:1
Displacement 3498/213
Bore X Stroke 3.66x3.39
Cruising Range 548.6 miles
Valves Configuration Dual Overhead Cam/Twin Overhead Cam
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound 184
Electric HorsePower BHP 27

Fuel economy

City fuel economy
24 mpg
Highway estimate
30 mpg