Diamonds from diesel: Mercedes-Benz E220d ‘hypermile’ test

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We appreciate that ‘hypermiling’ the brand-new Mercedes-Benz E220d is a contradiction in terms. It’s a bit like going to a Michelin-star restaurant and then counting calories. Or vacationing in a 17^th century castle and sleeping in the basement to not wear out the Egyptian-cotton bedding.

However, it’s not as contradictory as you might think. Because as ornate and luxurious as the Mercedes-Benz E220d is, at heart, it’s still a hypermiling hero. Some of the longest drives I’ve ever done on a single tank were in E220d forebears. So, how does the new one get on?

MERCEDES-BENZ E220D HYPERMILE TEST

Cape Town to Arniston before breakfast has the Mercedes-Benz E220d twiddling its thumbs. Image: Ray Leathern

Well, feather-footing the Mercedes-Benz E220d through the Western Cape’s Overstrand region, I’m watching the fuel consumption like it’s a Netflix finale. You see, the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its economy credentials are beyond repute. Therefore, it’s more a test of the driver’s patience as to how restrained you keep your right foot.

Although, I’ve been around long enough to appreciate just how far eco technology has come over the decades. Manufacturer claims versus real-world results used to be loosely acquainted. Nowadays, however, there is so much technology to actually help you attain great fuel economy.

The Mercedes engineers want you to squirrel away every last drop of diesel potential with their latest EQ Boost, 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Flick the car into Efficiency mode and it turns into a superhero. No jokes, Eco is the new Sport mode. As I shall in a moment …

DELUXE CINEMA SCREENS

Even the front passenger has their own screen. However, a Big Brother camera is watching all the time. Image: Mercedes-Benz Press

I choose to point the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its elegant prow towards the Overstrand. Because, one, free-flowing open road. And, two, I just love how undulating and curving the roads are. If there’s anywhere to find out whether this oil-burning executive express can deliver on its promises, it’s here.

Upon first inspection, the latest E220d has evolved into a properly handsome luxury sedan. It’s refreshingly restrained with no swage lines and creases to distract from its powerful silhouette. Instead, there’s a dignified simplicity that’s both traditional and contemporary. The shape is also exceedingly aerodynamic. The front grille lights up, too. Bonus!

Inside, the latest MBUX system ensure the three screens up front are a complete tech-fest. Their resolution would embarrass any Nu Metro cinema. And yet, the cabin still feels traditional, usable and not overwhelming. Of course, the seats are supremely comfortable, which is important when you’re spending many hours in the saddle.

COAST TO COAST

The luxurious Merc would keep going, if it weren’t for the road ending. Ah well, must simply turn back. Image: Ray Leathern

En route, I’ve got the Mercedes-Benz E220d in its not-so-secret Efficiency mode. The 48-volt system doesn’t just power ancillaries or provide instant boost when you plant your foot, it’s the key to its ‘lift-and-coast’ functionality. Essentially, when you crest a rise and lift off the throttle, the car decouples the engine, and you sail along using no fuel at all.

However, the genius is you actually gain a lot of speed in this phase. Much more than if you kept the cruise control active. It’s like a whole new way to drive a luxury vehicle. And it’s completely eco-friendly … and very fun. Past Caledon, I turn onto the R316, and that’s where the E-Class starts to show its true genius.

The road toward Napier is a rhythmic symphony of undulations and fast sweeping bends. It’s no wonder it’s a favourite of bikers. But in a car, you don’t have to go flat-out to enjoy it. The trick to efficient driving isn’t going slowly – it’s about reading the road and maintaining momentum. In the E220d it becomes more of a physics exercise. You’re trying to go up the hills as efficiently as possible and then spend the rest of the time in ‘coast mode’ with the engine off, just gliding.

1 150 KM AND MORE

The grille is subtly lit from the inside to make the frontend pop even more than usual. Image: Ray Leathern

The charming agricultural hamlet of Napier appears and disappears in my mirrors. The road continues to writhe across the lush landscape toward Bredasdorp, and I’m perfecting my rhythm now. Better still, the digital readout for my trip has settled at a brilliant average of 5.5 l/100 km. And I haven’t gone slowly. That’s the genius of modern efficiency with the mild-hybrid technology.

From Bredasdorp, it’s a straight shot down to Arniston, one of those achingly picturesque fishing villages. Sadly, it’s as far as this particular road goes. So, I park the Mercedes-Benz E220d atop the point, looking over the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Honestly, I don’t even feel remotely tired and it’s been several hours in the car already. That’s always a great sign.

On the return leg I start to wiggle around a bit. I detour to the wonderfully tidy little town of Elim. And then down to Pearly Beach and along the coast, back up to the R316. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is good for 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque. And it’s barely audible on full-throttle acceleration. It also feels like it’s hardly breaking a sweat, even when you hustle it to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

THE VERDICT

It’s a proverbial light show from the latest Mercedes-Benz E220d, both front and rear. Image: Ray Leathern

By the time I return to the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, and its dawdling traffic, the deed is done. The trip computer has settled at an average of 5.5 l/100 km and will not shift. This means a real-world cruising range per tank well in excess of 1 150 km. Sure, it’s 0.5 higher than claimed, but a remarkable figure for a car that weighs nearly two tonnes. And is packed with enough technology to rival the online NATIS licencing portal.

Is this a relevant test for a luxury sedan? I certainly think so. It demonstrates the inherent efficiency and comfort of the three-pointed star. And in a world increasingly obsessed with electric vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz E220d makes yet another compelling case for the latest generation of modern diesels. Efficient, refined, and with a range that would leave most EVs green with envy …