Premiering at the Detroit Motor Show in January of next year are Mercedes’ newest green entries in the luxury car segment. Making their debut early next year are the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID and the E 400 BlueTEC HYBRID, which Mercedes claims are one of the most fuel efficient luxury cars in the world.
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 E400 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.”