Is a Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Worth It?

Mercedes-Benz has a long lineup of hybrid luxury cars but, like other companies, is focusing on a new line of all-electric vehicles.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Mercedes-Benz
may have been a little late to the hybrid market for its production vehicles, but the company has a long history of developing and tinkering with hybrid ideas. Today, there’s a great lineup of 2022 Mercedes-Benz hybrids for sale, plus an exciting new electric vehicle line making its debut.
The first Mercedes-Benz hybrids to hit the market were the 2010
M-Class
and
S-Class
hybrids. Today, though, there are nine hybrid options plus two new EQ electric line models available, and a third in the EQ line set to come out in 2023. 
To learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s alternative-energy offerings, check out this guide from
Jerry
, the top-rated
car insurance
comparison
super app
. We’ve put together everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz hybrids and electric vehicles. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric guide

The new Mercedes-Benz EQ line is garnering the most attention of all the company’s green vehicles, but there’s still a respectable lineup of hybrids to pick from if you’re not ready to dive all-in for full electric. 
You can find traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and mild hybrids (MHEVs), which unlike full hybrids can only assist in driving with electrical power. MHEVs can not propel a car on electricity alone. While some manufacturers have poured all their efforts into one or two types of alternative-energy vehicles, Mercedes-Benz offers a little something for anyone looking to dip a toe in the hybrid pool.
Here are the hybrid options for 2022:
Model
Vehicle type
Starting price
Fuel economy (base trim)
Mercedes-Benz E 450
Sedan
$66,100
22 city/29 highway
Mercedes-Benz AMC E 350
Sedan
$75,000
21 city/ 29 highway
Mercedes-Benz S 580
Sedan
$117,700
16 city/25 highway
Mercedes-Benz C 300
Sedan
$43,550
TBA
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
SUV
$63,950
20 city/26 highway
Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53
Sedan
$75,000
21 city/29 highway
Mercedes-Benz E 450 Cabriolet
Convertible
$75,750
22 city/29 highway
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
SUV
$77,850
18 city/24 highway
Mercedes-Benz CLS 450
Coupe
$72,950
22 city/30 highway
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And here is what the all-electric EQ lineup offers for 2022:
Model
Vehicle type
Starting price
Fuel economy (base trim)
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Sedan
$103,360
88-100 combined MPGe
Mercedes-Benz EQB
SUV
$56,800
97 combined MPGe

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric car: what’s the difference?

There are a few different categories of green vehicles, including hybrid, PHEV, and EV. Hybrids are probably the most well-known, but many of Mercedes-Benz’s hybrid vehicles are actually mild hybrids—which means it uses the hybrid model to generate complementary power, but the hybrid battery can not power the vehicle alone. 
When you’re shopping for an alternative-energy car, it’s a good idea to know what each classification means. Here’s a breakdown for you:
  • Hybrid vehicles will run on gasoline but are also equipped with batteries that are charged by the vehicle’s movement. With full hybrids, the battery can power the vehicle alone at lower speeds. With mild hybrids, the batter can not propel the vehicle but it can assist in propelling the car.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, aka PHEVs, are hybrids that rely on an external power source to charge their batteries. The batteries can run the vehicle while relying on traditional gasoline or diesel fuel as a backup for when the battery is run down. 
  • Electric Vehicles, or EVs, are powered entirely by their batteries. They need to be plugged in and charged and have a certain range they can travel to before needing a recharge. 
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The best Mercedes-Benz hybrid cars

Mercedes-Benz makes its name in luxury, but there are a few standouts when it comes to assessing the luxury lineup of hybrids that they offer. 

Mercedes-Benz S 580

Probably the most beloved of the hybrid line is the S 580 sedan. The Mercedes-Benz S-series is synonymous with luxury and comfort, and its hybrid model delivers. The plush interior, 9-speed automatic transmission, impeccable ride, and dizzyingly comfortable seats are all standard and expected from an
S-class
.
But the hybrid S 580 passes its peers in terms of the driver experience. Its active steering assist and attention assist technology keep you safe on the road, and its Car-to-X communication system is simply futuristic. For instance, if you turn on your hazard lights, a simple safety notification will be transmitted to other drivers using the Car-to-X system via text on their display. 
The S-class hybrid is on the cutting edge of technology and comfort, with one fatal flaw—it’s the most expensive sedan of the hybrid lineup. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

The more moderately priced GLE 450 also deserves a nod. It’s not as luxurious as an S-class but is sophisticated and comfortable enough for the Mercedes-Benz badge. The mid-size hybrid SUV gets the highest efficiency from its GLE-class family, despite running on six cylinders
However, its 20 city/26 highway mpg isn’t exactly inspiring if you’re driven by eco-consciousness and fuel economy. You can get other mid-size SUV PHEV vehicles that offer as much as 10 more mpg, for as much as $30,000 less than the GLE 450—but of course, it wouldn’t be a Mercedes-Benz. 
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Are Mercedes-Benz hybrids worth it? 

Whether or not a Mercedes-Benz hybrid is worth the price really comes down to what you’re looking for. If you are on the hunt for a fuel-efficient vehicle that really makes a difference in your carbon footprint, you should probably look to another brand or check out the EQ line of Mercedes-Benz EVs. 
However, if you’re shopping more for luxury, and you’d also like the supplemental assistance of some mild-hybrid technology, the standard line of Mercedes-Benz hybrids is probably a fitting pick. 
Here’s how Mercedes-Benz hybrids rank in terms of performance and reliability.

Performance

With many of its hybrid models featuring mild hybrid technology, in general, the Mercedes-Benz line of hybrids delivers the same performance specs you’d expect from a traditional gas engine Mercedes. That’s a big plus for driving enthusiasts, but the verdict on the brand’s efficiency doesn’t deliver good news for environmentalists. 
Because of its reliance on passive and mild hybrid systems for many of its models, the efficiency of most Mercedes-Benz hybrids isn’t too impressive—that is, until you look at the EQ line. 
The electric-powered EQ models deliver great power and performance with zero emissions, and so far the lineup offers a decent battery range with fast-charging adapters to make charging hassle-free. 

Reliability

According to Driving Electric, a buyer's guide for drivers who want alternative-energy vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz hybrid models fare better than their competitors on reported maintenance issues. 

What’s the cost of ownership?

Besides what you pay to buy the vehicle, your Mercedes-Benz will accrue costs of ownership, which include things like fuel, maintenance, insurance, repairs, and depreciation. According to Kelly Blue Book, the anticipated cost of ownership of a 2022 GLE 450 mild hybrid is $76,199. That figure includes more than $41,000 in depreciation
Comparing that to the five-year ownership cost of a GLE 350, which is a non-hybrid vehicle, you’ll see it’s a little less, at $67,196. About $36,000 of this loss is made up of value depreciation. 

How to get sustainable rates on car insurance

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FAQs

Mercedes-Benz has several all-electric options to pick from in its EQ lineup. The company says that they will introduce only all-electric new vehicle models after 2025, and from that year on, every Mercedes-Benz model will have an all-electric option available for purchase.
While that depends on your definition of affordable, you can find new Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicles for as low as $43,550. Another option is buying used. Before you buy, make sure you’ve got the
right financing
with help from
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