Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announces new Hybrid Battery Extended Warranty programme

KUALA LUMPUR: A photo of an invoice went viral on multiple social media platforms showing the cost of battery replacement of Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which was over RM 120,000. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) responded to this by stating the pricing details for battery replacements of its E 300 BlueTEC and S400h hybrid models.

The company has clarified that the battery replacement of the E 300 BlueTEC model will cost RM 50,000, and RM 65,000 for the S400h. Alongside, MBM has also publicly announced a new Hybrid Battery Extended Warranty programme that adds four more years to the existing coverage of the hybrid battery. The existing owners of the cars are likely to get more benefits under this scheme, as they don't have to pay for a battery repair or replacement. However, one needs to pay RM 2,688 to get his/her car enrolled to receive the extra coverage.

Previously, in September 2018, the company had offered an extended warranty programme for the owners of the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid that later covered the S400h. The programme brought the existing 4 years warranty of both the cars to 8 years or 180,000 km, whichever comes first. While the buyers were allowed to enjoy a full 100% coverage for the fifth and sixth year of the vehicle’s registration, the seventh and the last year of warranty were only restricted to 75% and 50% coverage, respectively.

The new Hybrid Battery Extended Warranty programme comes with 100% coverage for repair or replacement of the hybrid battery, but it is constrained to some terms and conditions. As mentioned in the agreement “the vehicle must be continued to be only fully serviced and maintained by a Mercedes-Benz authorised dealer/service centre in accordance with the manufacturer specifications during the extended warranty period.” Moreover, the warranty only covers the manufacturing defect, not the regular wear and tear of the battery. Also, the company is not liable to compensate the owner for the absence of vehicle and transportation cost when the vehicle is being repaired.