Detroit 2012: 2 E-Class Hybrids From Mercedes-Benz *UPDATED*: Comments

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 19, 2011

Alongside the new SL, Mercedes-Benz is showing two E-Class hybrids at next months Detroit Auto Show.

The first hybrid is the North America only E400 Hybrid. The E400 Hybrid is powered by Mercedes’ 3.5L V6 (302 HP and 273 lb-ft) mated to a electric motor (27 HP and 184 lb-ft) in the gearbox. Horsepower is 329 and torque is a very healthy 457 lb-ft. That gives the E400 Hybrid a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 130 MPH.

The second hybrid is the E300 Bluetec hybrid, which uses a 2.1L four-cylinder diesel engine (201 HP and 369 lb-ft) and the electric motor from the E400. Ratings for the E300 Bluetec hybrid stand at 228 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 for the E300 Bluetec hybrid takes 7.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 150 MPH.

Both hybrids come with 0.8-kWh lithium-ion battery that provide the power for the electric motor and provide an all-electric range of less than a mile at speeds below 35 mph.

Other fuel-saving features include optimized aerodynamics, automatic stop/start, brake energy regeneration, low-rolling-resistance tires, and a “sailing mode” that decouples the engine from the gearbox on a trailing throttle at speeds up to 100 MPH.

Source: Autoweek

Press Release is on Page 2

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Mercedes-Benz launches hybrid offensive

The world's most economical luxury-class model

• Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID: 4.2 l of diesel/100 km,
  
• 109 g of CO₂/km
  
• Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID: fuel economy of 27 mpg
  
• More torque and performance without compromising on space and usable boot volume
  
• Available in Saloon and Estate versions (E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID)
  
• Modular hybrid concept using lithium-ion batteries
  
• Reduction in CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption of around 15 percent compared with the E 250 CDI
  
• Impressive driving experience thanks to start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and "sailing" function
  

Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its brand's core segment and at the same time setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, available as a Saloon and Estate, impresses with new record values when it comes to efficiency. It boasts exemplary consumption levels (4.2 l/100 km) as well as impressive performance: the 4-cylinder diesel engine of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm. Combined with an electric motor producing 20 kW and 250 Nm, this results in a coherent overall concept. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.

The V6-cylinder petrol engine in the E 400 HYBRID produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm, and is also supplemented by a further 20 kW and 250 Nm from the electric motor. The consumption figures based on the American CAFE standard are: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg, Combined 27 mpg.

"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 have to compromise when it comes to space, however, whether in terms of the interior or the luggage compartment. And there are also additional benefits to the intelligent modular hybrid concept, which represents a comprehensive enhancement of the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID which has advanced to the position of clear market leader since 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 petrol variants there will also be right hand drive variants. Meanwhile, the extra cost involved here is only moderate. The new hybrid models will be celebrating their world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show (14 to 22 January 2012) and will appear on the market over the course of the year. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is initially planned to be launched on the European market, while the E 400 HYBRID will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later.

Highlights of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID at a glance:

• Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary
  
• Also available as an Estate
  
• Space, safety and comfort remain unchanged
  
• No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort
  
• Significant increase in comfort with start/stop 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 E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with 150 kW + 20 kW electric motor/500 Nm + 250 Nm, compared with the E 250 CDI (150 kW/500 Nm), positioning it at the same level as the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm)
  
• Fuel savings of around 15 percent compared with the E 250 CDI – even in actual road traffic conditions
  
• Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and "sailing" function)
  

Highlights of the E 400 HYBRID at a glance:

• Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary
  
• No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort
  
• Significant increase in comfort with start/stop operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort
  
• Consumption combined (CAFE): 27 mpg
  
• Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E 400 HYBRID by some 20 kW and 250 Nm thanks to the electric motor
  
• Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and "sailing" function)
  

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[67impss]

Really a Lux car it can't even best a mass market Chevrolet (Volt) in top speed. Epic fail as MB moves down the ladder to compete with a lowly Chevy

[smk4565]

Really a Lux car it can't even best a mass market Chevrolet (Volt) in top speed. Epic fail as MB moves down the ladder to compete with a lowly Chevy

The Volt's top speed is 100 mph.

[smk4565]

The E400 hybrid makes a lot of sense, I think that will sell at a better percentage than the S400 hybrid does. E-class is mainly a V6 car, the hybrid could be an appealing option to the typical E-class buyer. My guess is the diesel-hybrid is for Europe, I'd be curious to see a hybrid on the Bluetec V6 though.