Mercedes-Benz launches hybrid offensive
12/21/2011
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its core segment while at the same time setting new standards for luxury sedans. The E300 BlueTEC HYBRID (European model) impresses with new record values when it comes to efficiency. It boasts exemplary consumption levels (4.2 l/100 km1) as well as impressive performance: the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID combines a 4-cylinder diesel engine developing 201 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with an electric motor producing 27 hp and 184 lb-ft. The E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most economical luxury vehicle in the world.
Available in the U.S. during the 2nd half of 2012, the 2013 E400 HYBRID features a direct-injection V6 gasoline engine producing 302 hp and 273 lb-ft supplemented by an additional 27 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The estimated consumption figures are: 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
"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", explains Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With a clear focus on the different requirements of global markets, we are able to offer precisely the models which our customers want. The E-Class hybrids provide a clear reduction in consumption as well as a very impressive driving experience: they represent hybrid motoring at the premium level."
The new models do not require their passengers to compromise when it comes to space, however, whether in terms of the interior or the luggage compartment. There are also additional benefits to the intelligent modular hybrid concept, which builds upon the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID that debuted in 2009: no changes to the vehicle body are required, the hybrid module is both flexible and modular, thus allowing its use in other model series, and in addition to diesel and gasoline powertrains there will also be right-hand drive variants. Meanwhile, the extra cost involved is only moderate. The new hybrid models will celebrate their world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show (January 14-22, 2012) and will appear on the market over the course of the year. The 2013 E400 HYBRID goes on-sale in the U.S. during the 2nd half of 2012 followed by other countries such as Japan and China, while the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is initially planned to be launched in Europe.
Highlights of the E400 HYBRID at a glance:
-Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid configuration: no changes to the body of the E-Class are necessary
-No compromises in terms of passenger or luggage space, safety and comfort
-Significant increase in comfort with stop/start operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort
-Estimated fuel consumption: 27 mpg (combined)
-Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E400 HYBRID by some 27 hp and 184 lb-ft thanks to the electric motor
-Sophisticated hybrid driving experience (stop/start function, regenerative braking, boost effect and pure electric driving)
Highlights of the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID (European model) at a glance:
-Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the E-Class are necessary
-Also available as a Wagon (in Europe)
-Space, safety and comfort remain unchanged
-Significant increase in comfort with stop/start operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort
-Top marks for consumption in the luxury-class business vehicle segment: 4.2 litres/100 km, 109 g CO2/km
-Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID with 150 kW +20 kW electric motor/500 Nm + 250 Nm, compared with the E250 CDI (150 kW/500 Nm), positioning it at the same level as the E300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm)
-Fuel savings of around 15 percent compared with the E250 CDI (european model)
-Sophisticated hybrid driving experience (stop/start function, regenerative braking, boost effect, and pure electric driving)