golfster

For those interested, the E400 is now on the MBUSA website:

• 329 HP
• 24/30 MPG

It appears that only one 17" wheel is available, unless opting for the separate "accessories" wheels, which are lackluster.

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...dOptions-2:040

WEBSRFR

Thanks. Great find. Too bad they have yet to publish the 0-60 figure...

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...specifications

alsyli

Who exactly is this car aimed at? It's gets 2 MPG better in the city but 2 MPG *WORSE* on the freeway than the Bluetec, which is ~$3000 cheaper. And it gets 4 MPG better on the city but the SAME highway MPG as the (much cheaper) base car. And it comes w/ runflats (yikes).

Another unimpressive hybrid version from MB....

mikemargolis

I agree with your comments on the target market, but I don't mind my run flats at all. Don't diss them until you've tried them.

alsyli

I have. Well, at least on a BMW. They were absolutely horrific. Poor low-speed ride (worse than the Sports-package equipped cars), very expensive to replace, and they made this horrific whining sound once they were reaching the end of their useful life.

MB uses a different brand altogether, I think, and it certainly seems as though their implementation has met w/ less criticism on these boards. Still, my first experience was so bad that I'd certainly have to be convinced to try them again....

My comment was also a question; does the battery pack on a mild hybrid take up that much space that they can't fit a spare? I understand the issue w/ the extra tank on a Bluetec, but I thought they could sandwich the batteries in w/ the transmission?

jvc300

sounds like it's aimed at those who are against a diesel ... Not for me...

samkimg

talked to a dealer yesterday about the E400 and it's only just becoming available. There was on order and in transit and one in NJ at MBUSA HQ. He didn't know if there was one at the training center but he's looking around because I want to try one out.

I like the idea of start/stop at lights, and I like the thought of putting it in electric only mode to sneak down the block unheard, but I would have expected a higher MPG savings with a hybrid combination. And why no deisel/hybrid combo yet?

ghstudio

Perhaps it runs on regular gas???? Surely I'm missing something.....

alsyli

B/c that would make sense? Actually, I imagine it'd be horrifically expensive. There's one coming out for Europe, though....

listerone

I want the E300.Rated at something like 55mpg and 400 ft lbs of torque.No interested in a gas hybrid.