Acompletelystandard Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid has made it from Tangier in Morocco to Goodwood in the UK on a single tank of diesel.

The trip completed by British journalist Andrew Frankel spanned 1 968 km, the length of both Spain and France and not just in prime freeway conditions. Often the trip entailed rush-hour traffic jams and then there was the weather which, at this time of the year ranges from intense heat to thunder showers.

Mercedes-Benz E 300 specifications

The Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid was fitted with the optional 80-litre tank, but still did the job of averaging just 3.1 l/100km. The new E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid features a 150 kW and 500 Nm diesel engine together with the assistance of a 20kW electric motor. The fuel-sipping Merc will be on display at Goodwood as part of the ‘First Glance’ paddock.

Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz claims its E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid will consume just 4.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. Admittedly, this trip was more open road driving than in the city, but for a combined cycle figure for a big car that’s very impressive.