Mercedes To Introduce E-Class Hybrids, First Diesel Hybrid!

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Premiering at the Detroit Motor Show in January are Mercedes’ newest green entries in the luxury car segment. Making their debut early next year are the E-300 BlueTEC Diesel HYBRID and the E-400 BlueTEC Gas HYBRID, which Mercedes claims are some of the most fuel efficient luxury cars in the world. The E-300 is the first car produced by a mainstream  to make a diesel hybrid, which
beckons the question: what’s taken so darn long? Doesn’t it just make
sense?

With its 4-cylinder, 200 horsepower diesel and 20kW electric motor,
the E-300 BlueTEC HYBRID consumes only 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Bear in mind that one of the best-known hybrids, the Prius, claims 3.9
liters/100 km, and this is for a commuter car that has no luxury
pretensions. The E-300 and E-400 HYBRID retain all their luxury and
convenience comforts.

For the E-400 BlueTEC HYBRID, Mercedes chose to install a 300
horsepower V6 combined with the same 20kW electric motor found in the E-300 HYBRID. Combined CAFE consumption rating for the E-400 HYBRID is 27
mpg.

According to Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars
Development, “The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to
complement other model series with hybrid models. With these two E-Class
models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive.”

A diesel hybrid seems like a no-brainer. So why did it take this long? Shout off in the Forums!