I’VE had a nice time sailing today. Despite the fact it is bitterly cold and the rain continues to spot as dark, heavy clouds roll overhead, I’m warm, dry and comfortable.

The reason I’m not wet is because I’m sitting in the first-ever Mercedes-Benz sold in Australia to feature a hybrid drivetrain.

It includes a feature known as “sailing”, where the car can turn off its diesel engine and, in the right conditions, coast along under electric power alone at speeds of up to a very illegal 160km/h.

As well as its ability to sail along under electric power alone, it can also steam along at a fair clip thanks to a big helping hand from the growly electric motor sitting somewhere between the back of the engine and the front of the seven-speed automatic transmission near my left ankle.

It’s been a long wait for Mercedes-Benz to bring a electrically assisted passenger car to Australia, but early indications are the diesel-electric E300 BlueTEC Hybrid – a first for Australia – is worth it.

Click here for the full review...