There can be little dispute that Mercedes Benz makes cars that can really go the distance, literally, after a standard British-registered E 300 Blue TEC Hybrid made it from Africa to the UK on only one tank of fuel.
Behind the wheel was British journalist Andrew Frankel, who undertook the non-stop, 27-hour journey from Tangier, in North Africa, to the UK, getting the car to arrive on time for its appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Of course Mr Frankel did get through with the help of a relief driver.
Across the 1,223 mile journey the drivers faced heavy rain, high heat, rush hour traffic and huge changes in elevation. This all added to the challenge of getting to the UK on a single tank as the team crossed four countries, three time-zones and two continents.
Once they got to Goodwood, after averaging their fuel economy at 73.6mpg, they found that there was still a bit to go before the car’s tank registered empty and it was still showing an available range of 100 miles. This puts the total range of the tank at 1,323 miles.
Of course, credit has to be given to the technology of the car for explaining how it did so well on the journey.
It was fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank, which is offered to customers for an extra £100. This new tank handled the journey relatively easily.
Even though the two drivers were trying to get through the journey with fuel economy in mind, they didn’t have to worry too much about going slow. Certainly, with its 204 hp diesel engine and 27 hp electric motor, it can go from zero to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 150 mph.
Throughout this weekend, until June 29th, visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will be able to admire the Mercedes Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which has travelled further than any other E class, at the First Glance paddock.
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