Mercedes-Benz Creates Range of Hybrid E-Classes

Mercedes-Benz will offer two hybrid E-Class models in Europe and the North America in 2012. The E300 Bluetec Hybrid and E400 Hybrid will debut at the North American International Auto Show in early January. 

The E300 Bluetec Hybrid will be offered only in Europe as a sedan and estate. Its four-cylinder diesel engine and electric motor produce a total of 204hp and 500Nm of torque. It consumes 4.2l/100km of diesel and 109g/km of CO2. The powertrain uses start/stop tech, and Mercedes says, due to the electric motor, it has incredibly smooth operation. Mercedes says that the interior room and cargo space remains the same.

These numbers are roughly the same as a E250 CDI BlueEfficiency, but the Hybrid produces significantly less CO2, 109gkm of CO2 for the Hybrid versus 130g/km of CO2 for the E250. Mercedes claims that the Hybrid will have about 15% fuel savings compared to the E250, despite their similar performance. 

The E400 hybrid will be only offered as a sedan for now and will be available first in the US and later in Japan and China. It is powered by a petrol V6 engine and electric motor producing a total of 306hp and 370Nm of torque. Mercedes says that it will get a combined 27 miles per gallon (8.7l/100km), 31mpg on the highway (7.6l/100km) and 24mpg in the city (9.8l/100km). The E400 Hybrid also uses start/stop. 

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