Having at least one hybrid vehicle in the lineup has become a standard for most carmakers, especially those making luxury vehicles, and Mercedes Benz is no exception to this, the company already offering a hybrid version of their flagship S Class, the S400 Hybrid. The German carmaker has also recently confirmed two new hybrid models that will enter production pretty soon, the Mercedes Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid and the Mercedes Benz E400 Hybrid.
“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. 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,” said Thomas Weber, the head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development and also a Daimler Board Member for Group Research.
The first one, the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a four cylinder diesel unit that delivers 204 hp (150 kW) and 500 Nm of torque (the same one that powers the E250 CDI model) combined with an electric motor that produces 20 kW and 250 Nm of torque. According to the Mercedes Benz press release, the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is the most fuel efficient luxury car in the world, achieving an average fuel economy of just 4.2 liters per 100 km (56 US mpg). The German carmaker added that even though the car’s fuel economy is better than the one achieved by the E250 CDI, its combined power output matches that of the more powerful E300 CDI.
The other upcoming luxury hybrid from Mercedes, the E400 Hybrid is powered by a V6 gasoline engine that delivers 306 hp (225 kW) and 370 Nm of torque helped by the same 20 kW and 250 Nm electric motor from the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid. This model will first be available in the United States, its estimated fuel economy according to American CAFÉ standards being 24 mpg in the city, 31 on the highway and 27 on the combined cycle.
The two new Mercedes Benz hybrid will make world debut in a couple of weeks, at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show which takes place between January 14 and 22. After the two models make market debut (the E300 in Europe and E400 in the United States), other markets including Japan and China will get them, but so far we don’t know for sure when.