We recognize that ‘hypermiling’ the brand-new Mercedes-Benz E220d is a contradiction in phrases. It’s a bit like going to a Michelin-star restaurant after which counting energy. Or vacationing in a 17th century fortress and sleeping within the basement to not put on out the Egyptian-cotton bedding.
Nevertheless, it’s not as contradictory as you would possibly assume. As a result of as ornate and splendid because the Mercedes-Benz E220d is, at coronary heart, it’s nonetheless a hypermiling hero. A few of the longest drives I’ve ever executed on a single tank had been in E220d forebears. So, how does the brand new one get on?
MERCEDES-BENZ E220D HYPERMILE TEST
Effectively, feather-footing the Mercedes-Benz E220d by way of the Western Cape’s Overstrand area, I’m watching the gasoline consumption prefer it’s a Netflix finale. You see, the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its economic system credentials are past reputation. Subsequently, it’s extra a check of the driving force’s persistence as to how restrained you retain your proper foot.
Though, I’ve been round lengthy sufficient to understand simply how far eco expertise has come over the a long time. Producer claims versus real-world outcomes was once loosely acquainted. These days, nevertheless, there may be a lot expertise to really assist you to attain nice gasoline economic system.
The Mercedes engineers need you to squirrel away each final drop of diesel potential with their newest EQ Enhance, 48-volt mild-hybrid expertise. Flick the automobile into Effectivity mode and it turns right into a superhero. No jokes, Eco is the brand new Sport mode. As I shall in a second …
DELUXE CINEMA SCREENS
I select to level the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its elegant prow in the direction of the Overstrand. As a result of, one, free-flowing open street. And, two, I simply love how undulating and curving the roads are. If there’s wherever to search out out whether or not this oil-burning government categorical can ship on its guarantees, it’s right here.
Upon first inspection, the newest E220d has advanced right into a correctly good-looking luxurious sedan. It’s refreshingly restrained with no swage traces and creases to distract from its highly effective silhouette. As a substitute, there’s a dignified simplicity that’s each conventional and modern. The form can be exceedingly aerodynamic. The entrance grille lights up, too. Bonus!
Inside, the newest MBUX system make sure the three screens up entrance are an entire tech-fest. Their decision would embarrass any Nu Metro cinema. And but, the cabin nonetheless feels conventional, usable and never overwhelming. In fact, the seats are supremely snug, which is vital once you’re spending many hours within the saddle.
COAST TO COAST
En route, I’ve acquired the Mercedes-Benz E220d in its not-so-secret Effectivity mode. The 48-volt system doesn’t simply energy ancillaries or present on the spot enhance once you plant your foot, it’s the important thing to its ‘lift-and-coast’ performance. Primarily, once you crest an increase and carry off the throttle, the automobile decouples the engine, and also you sail alongside utilizing no gasoline in any respect.
Nevertheless, the genius is you truly achieve a variety of pace on this section. Far more than for those who saved the cruise management lively. It’s like an entire new method to drive a luxurious automobile. And it’s fully eco-friendly … and really enjoyable. Previous Caledon, I flip onto the R316, and that’s the place the E-Class begins to indicate its true genius.
The street towards Napier is a rhythmic symphony of undulations and quick sweeping bends. It’s no marvel it’s a favorite of bikers. However in a automobile, you don’t must go flat-out to get pleasure from it. The trick to environment friendly driving isn’t going slowly – it’s about studying the street and sustaining momentum. Within the E220d it turns into extra of a physics train. You’re attempting to go up the hills as effectively as doable after which spend the remainder of the time in ‘coast mode’ with the engine off, simply gliding.
1 150 KM AND MORE
The charming agricultural hamlet of Napier seems and disappears in my mirrors. The street continues to writhe throughout the plush panorama towards Bredasdorp, and I’m perfecting my rhythm now. Higher nonetheless, the digital readout for my journey has settled at an excellent common of 5.5 l/100 km. And I haven’t gone slowly. That’s the genius of recent effectivity with the mild-hybrid expertise.
From Bredasdorp, it’s a straight shot right down to Arniston, a type of achingly picturesque fishing villages. Sadly, it’s so far as this explicit street goes. So, I park the Mercedes-Benz E220d atop the purpose, trying over the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Truthfully, I don’t even really feel remotely drained and it’s been a number of hours within the automobile already. That’s all the time an important signal.
On the return leg I begin to wiggle round a bit. I detour to the splendidly tidy little city of Elim. After which right down to Pearly Seashore and alongside the coast, again as much as the R316. The two.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is nice for 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque. And it’s barely audible on full-throttle acceleration. It additionally feels prefer it’s hardly breaking a sweat, even once you hustle it to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
THE VERDICT
By the point I return to the hustle and bustle of Cape City, and its dawdling site visitors, the deed is finished. The journey laptop has settled at a median of 5.5 l/100 km and won’t shift. This implies a real-world cruising vary per tank properly in extra of 1 150 km. Certain, it’s 0.5 increased than claimed, however a exceptional determine for a automobile that weighs practically two tonnes. And is full of sufficient expertise to rival the net NATIS licencing portal.
Is that this a related check for a luxurious sedan? I actually assume so. It demonstrates the inherent effectivity and luxury of the three-pointed star. And in a world more and more obsessive about electrical automobiles, the Mercedes-Benz E220d makes one more compelling case for the newest era of recent diesels. Environment friendly, refined, and with a spread that would go away most EVs resentful …
THE FIGURES
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz E220d
- Worth: R1 541 260
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel + EQ Enhance
- Energy: 145 kW (+ 17 kW) and 440 Nm (+ 205 Nm)
- Transmission: 9-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
- Gas Economic system: 5.0 l/100 km (claimed) / 5.5 l/100 km (examined)
- Efficiency: 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds / prime pace 238 km/h
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