Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced prices and specifications for two additions to the E-Class family, with the plug-in hybrid E 350 e and new AMG E 43 variant added to the local range.
The E 350 e plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 210kW and 550Nm of torque, and for the first time in a plug-in hybrid vehicle, power is transferred to the wheels via a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission.
Despite the brisk 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds, Mercedes says the E 350 e sips just 2.4L/100km thanks to an electric motor that offers 30km of pure electric range. The E 350 e is also packaged with Mercedes’s air body control suspension system, a panoramic glass sunroof and pre-entry climate control system.
The E 350 e is priced from $131,600 (excluding on-roads). The company’s Australian/New Zealand CEO and managing director Horst von Sanden said:
“Following the successful introduction of both our plug-in hybrid and AMG 43 models, we can’t wait to offer this technology and performance in the all-new E-Class early next year.”
Moving on to the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC, engineers have managed to churn out an extra 25kW from the twin-turbocharged V6, which now produces 295kW/520Nm. Peak torque is available from 2500rpm, with power transferred to all four wheels via a 4MATIC driveline, which helps the E 43 run the 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.6 seconds. Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers said:
“The new E 43 4MATIC offers impressive driving dynamics coupled with cutting-edge efficiency. Twin turbocharging, features adopted from motorsport and the characteristic AMG design immediately indicate to our customers that the new E-Class from AMG offers pure driving performance coupled with cutting-edge technology and intense emotion.”
Equipment for the E 43 4MATIC includes 20-inch AMG wheels, sports exhaust and braking systems, AMG styling cues, AIR-BALANCE package and Nappa leather upholstery. Mercedes-Benz is asking $159,900 for the AMG E 43 4MATIC (excluding on-roads).
Both new models will officially arrive in Australia in February next year.
