► Month seven with the Merc S500
► Fuel-saving addiction saves pennies
► On-par running costs with Smart Fortwo
It took me four months, but now I’m hooked. With almost missionary enthusiasm, I have become a fuel-saving addict. Plugging in at home and plugging in at the airport reduces the fuel consumption on this 40-mile routine run by over 40%. In money terms, that’s £6 one-way, on par with a Smart Fortwo and much cheaper than the train. Not to mention S-class comfort, music courtesy of Herr Burmester and a much more leisurely pace than all those nine-to-fivers. How much for one battery charge? It’s free at the airport, at home it costs no more than to slow-cook the Sunday roast.
Logbook: Mercedes-Benz S500 PHEV
Price: €108,945
As tested: €154,890
Miles this month: 1591
Total miles: 9090
Our mpg: 31.3
Official mpg: 100.9
Fuel this month: £248.17
Extra costs: £0