Electric Car Awards 2026: Best hybrid executive car
After a hard day at the office, some executives manage to abstain from drinking altogether. Others exhibit a thirst that would put a rugby team to shame. The E300e version of the Mercedes E-Class is among those who make a conscious effort to exercise moderation. In fact, such is the efficiency of its plug-in hybrid system that it can sometimes go for days on end without touching a drop.
With an official electric range of 70 miles in our preferred AMG Line Premium trim, it can go even farther without recourse to petrol than its Audi A6 e-hybrid and BMW 530e rivals. Okay, we’re talking about an advantage of just a few miles here, but every one matters.
And electric range isn’t the only discipline in which the E300e has the edge over its colleagues.If you’re not heading to the pub after work, you’re probably diving straight into rush-hour traffic, and this is the environment in which the E300e becomes your best friend. Its ride is pillowy, effortlessly soaking up broken surfaces around town, and when you emerge from the urban sprawl, it wafts along as smoothly as some pricier luxury limos and is remarkably quiet at a cruise. It really knows how to pamper you.
On that theme, AMG Line Premium trim brings electrically adjustable seats (including for lumbar support) that are soft and comfy. Mind you, if you fancy a break from serenity, a powerful and clear 17-speaker Burmester sound system is standard, so you can flick the ambience between restful and rave-up at a whim.
That’s facilitated as easily by a front passenger, by the way, as it is by the driver. The co-pilot gets their own 12.3in clone of the main 14.4in infotainment screen, so they can play DJ while you’re at the controls. If you’re solo, though, the voice control system does a good job of understanding natural speech; it’s often better for making adjustments on the move than the infotainment screen itself.
When the weekend rolls around, the E300e isn’t as sporting as some of its co-workers. True, it can run with the best of them; 0-62mph takes just 6.4sec, which is just a whisker slower than the 530e. But that colleague is more likely to make the office five-a-side football team, because it takes corners with greater precision and control.
That’s not to say the E300e is a chore on a twisty road, though, and it’s a pleasure to live with everywhere else. For services to relaxed motoring, the E300e is employee of the year.
Key facts
Engine 4cyl, 1999cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Power 308bhp Torque 406lb ft Gearbox 9-spd automatic Official electric range 70 miles
Best used hybrid executive car
BMW 330e Sport (Pro Pack)
On sale from 2019-present Prices from £13,000
Consistently one of our favourite used cars, the suave BMW 330e offers all the panache and driveability you’d expect of this outstanding premium exec – at a bargain price.
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