The new Mercedes E-Class hybrids are available to order, with prices starting at £47,700 for the Saloon and £49,700 for the Estate.

The new E 300 de redefines the executive hybrid segment, providing the ultimate combination of diesel’s long-distance efficiency and frugality with the emissions-free running of electricity.

The E 300 de Saloon and Estate are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine which produces 194hp and 400Nm of torque and a hybrid module with 122hp of electric power and 440Nm of torque (combined system output is 700Nm). It can achieve 166.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits 41g/km of CO₂ (44g/km for the Estate). It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the Estate) and has a top speed of 155 mph.

The E 300 de has a fully electric range of 34 miles for the Saloon and 32 miles for the Estate. It has a battery capacity of 13.5 kWh and can be charged from 10 to 100 per cent in under two hours with a 7.4 kW charger.

Every model comes with a high specification as standard. The entry-level SE features blind spot assist, widescreen cockpit, four USB ports, touchpad with controller, illuminated door sills, spilt-folding rear seats, Parking package including Active Parking Assist with front and rear parking sensors, Seat Comfort package including Electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Keyless-Go starting function, light carbon-grain aluminium trim with centre console in black open-pored ash wood and heated front seats.

The AMG Line trim adds AMG exterior bodystyling, 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, black open-pore ash wood trim with Artico Dinamica leather upholstery, AMG steering wheel with touch control buttons and privacy glass.

The Premium package is available for £2,395 and includes COMAND Online, memory package, wireless charging, Multibeam LED and Parking package including 360 camera.

The £4,395 Premium Plus package adds to this with Burmester surround sound system, Keyless-Go package including hands-free access, automatic powered boot closing and keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

For £595 the Night package can be added and includes 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black, diamond radiator grille and a single louvre in high-gloss black, front apron in high-gloss black and rear bumper in high-gloss black with chrome trim.

The Comfort package – only available in conjunction with the Premium or Premium Plus package – costs £1,895 for SE trim (£3,295 for AMG Line) and includes Air Balance, Energizing comfort control, Air Body Control air suspension and Nappa leather upholstery (AMG Line only).

Driver assistance systems include a Lane Tracking package (£595) that includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, and the more comprehensive Driving Assistance package (£1,695) which adds Active Brake Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane-change Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Impulse Side and Pre-Safe Plus.