British auto journalist Andrew Frankel and a relief driver drove a standard UK-spec Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid from North Africa to the UK non-stop on one tank of fuel. The journey was possible because the E-Class was fitted with an 80-liter fuel tank, which is a £100 (€125) option in the UK.

Covering a total distance of 1,223 miles (1,968 km) from Tangier in Morocco to Goodwood in the UK, the car averaged 73.6 mpg UK (61.2 mpg US or 3.1 l/100 km). Frankel and his co-driver visited two continents, four countries and three time zones, spending a total time of 27 hours on the road.

The journalist initially wanted to see if it were possible to get to the UK without refueling, but on arriving at Goodwood and the Festival of Speed late the fuel gauge still indicated an available range of 100-miles (160 km) – equating to a total driving range of 1,323-miles (2,129 km).

During the trip, Andrew Frankel encountered heavy rain, intense heat, rush hour traffic jams and dramatic elevation changes, which represented a challenge to the aim of driving from Africa to the UK without filling up.

The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a 204hp diesel engine mated to a 27hp electric motor, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.5 seconds and to reach a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The car was showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the ‘First Glance’ paddock.

By Dan Mihalascu

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