A Brighter Tomorrow With The All-New Mercedes-Benz E350e

As an ardent environmentalist, I was eager to let my competitive nature run free in Mercedes-Benz’s energy efficiency challenge. Gearing up for the flag-off in the E350e, I ran my hands through the supple Nappa leather upholstery and wooden interiors before making a quick mental tick-off: coffee, check; pumping adrenaline, check; elegant expressions from my metallic silver E350e Exclusive, check. However, if I were to be honest, it’s the emission-free driving of this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that I most looked forward to.

The locally assembled vehicle amid towering palms

For someone fairly new to a sustainable PHEV, it was only natural that I’d fiddle around with the different modes, before settling for the Eco option (surprise, surprise), and its silent purr gave a sense of serenity. The road ahead was undoubtedly far and long, but with the promise of a sports car experience, the E350e pulled through with the combination of its four-cylinder petrol engine and powerful electric motor—making the drive an absolute breeze.

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On the high roads leading to Tanjong Jara Resort in Terrenganu, the drive was made more pleasurable with the Air Body Control suspension, offering much-needed relief from the bumpy bits through small villages. That peace of mind was also enhanced by the knowledge that this very hybrid beauty consumed less fuel than a compact car, allowing around 33 kilometres in all-electric mode—talk about green aspirations.

En route to Tanjong Jara Resort with the Comand navigation system

Midway through my journey, dark clouds threatened, followed by a torrential rain. With the Multibeam LED headlamps automatically switched on, my mind relaxed as I forged ahead on unfamiliar terrain.

As I drove up to the sight of palm trees, amid salty air and the cool evening breeze, I momentarily forgot I was participating in a challenge. The weather was gloomy, but my spirits were high. Whether I was the winner or not, the E350e provided an eco-friendly journey, one that spoke greatly of its plug-in hybrid technology.

The Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV basking in the evening glow

The E350e Exclusive, AMG Line, and Edition 60 are priced at RM392,888, RM395,888, and RM408,888 respectively on-the-road, without insurance. www.mercedes-benz.com.my