
hybrid refers to the hybrid vehicles of Mercedes-Benz, which use traditional fuels and are equipped with electric motors or engines to improve low-speed power output and fuel consumption. Taking the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E260L as an example, its body dimensions are: 5078mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1484mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3079mm and a fuel tank capacity of 66 liters. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E260L features a multi-link independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184PS, a maximum power of 135kW, and a maximum torque of 280Nm.

Last time a friend asked about hybrid, I happened to have researched it. Simply put, it's a hybrid vehicle that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor. But Mercedes calls it EQ Power, which has technical features: for example, it runs on electric power in traffic jams, with zero fuel consumption and exceptional quietness; during acceleration, both the engine and motor work together, delivering stronger push-back feeling than conventional fuel cars. Their battery is placed under the floor, saving space, and versions are available for C-Class and E-Class. Additionally, the engine can charge the battery, and energy can be recovered even when braking downhill. I test-drove the S560e, which can run 70 km purely on electricity when fully charged, making it oil-free for daily commutes and worry-free for weekend long trips.

I drove a Mercedes hybrid for half a year, and the experience was quite practical. For daily commutes, I used electricity, costing just a few cents per kilometer, and refueling frequency was halved. Charging was convenient—a household socket fully charged it in 3 hours, while fast charging at malls was even quicker. In sport mode, the engine kicked in, making highway overtaking effortless. The steering wheel featured an energy meter to guide fuel-efficient driving. However, in rainy conditions, protection activated, slightly softening the power. Opting for a fast-charging port is recommended for easier long-distance travel. Friends often praised the quiet ride, though the trunk was slightly smaller than the fuel version, given the battery placement underneath.

The Mercedes hybrid is a and cost-effective solution. While conventional fuel cars are expensive to run and electric cars cause range anxiety, it strikes a balance: the battery powers the first 50 kilometers, eliminating range worries. German technology optimizes energy distribution, with the electric motor providing instant acceleration from traffic lights, saving a third more fuel than pure gasoline cars. Models with an 'e' in their badge, like the GLE 350e, are hybrids. Government subsidies for new energy vehicles are available at purchase, and some cities even waive the license plate lottery. Maintenance requires attention to electrical system checks, but the battery comes with an 8-year warranty. With a home charging station, monthly fuel costs can be kept under 500 yuan.

After comparing several hybrid models, the difference with hybrids lies in their performance integration. While BMW hybrids focus on fuel efficiency, Mercedes-Benz tunes its V6 engine and electric motor like a sports car: the C300e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. The energy management logic also differs—the engine only kicks in when the battery drops to 15%, unlike Toyota hybrids, which activate it earlier. The interior retains a luxurious feel, with the central display showing energy flow. The downsides? The engine noise is noticeable during cold starts, and it costs about 100,000 RMB more than the fuel-only version. However, it holds its value well in the used car market, especially in cities with green license plates.

Automakers are now transitioning to electrification, and Mercedes' hybrid models serve as an interim solution. By adding electric motor units to existing engine platforms, they save costs compared to developing pure electric vehicles while also testing technology. Their EQ Power system is designed to be compatible with future upgrades, such as switching to larger batteries to become plug-in hybrids. Take the new S-Class hybrid, for example, with its pure electric range exceeding 100 kilometers—almost catching up to full EVs. However, with charging infrastructure still underdeveloped, hybrids remain a pragmatic choice, especially in northern winters. Mercedes plans to discontinue pure internal combustion engine sales by 2025, and these hybrid technologies will eventually migrate to full electric models.


