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Now for a plug-in hybrid Mercedes C-Class

The plug-in hybrid Mercedes C-Class.

Petrol-electric luxury sedan to travel 30km on a single charge.

Mercedes-Benz is working on a petrol-electric version of its new C-Class sedan that will use half as much fuel as a Toyota Prius and be able to travel at least 30km on electric power alone.
 
Executives in Germany told Australian media overnight that a plug-in hybrid option is being developed for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and is expected to sip just 2L/100km and emit just 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre. By way of comparison, a Toyota Prius sips 3.9L/100km and emits 89g/km of CO2.
 
Mercedes-Benz says the fuel miser version of the C-Class is under consideration for sale in Australia -- if it can be priced below $100,000.
 
"Anecdotally, some customers feel pressure from their children or their grandchildren to buy a more (environmentally) responsible car," said Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy. "(However) one of the concerns we have in Australia is where the (electric) energy is created."
 
Mr McCarthy said the majority of electricity generated in Australia comes from coal-fired power stations "which merely moves the emissions from the tailpipe to a power station". Nevertheless, the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a strong chance for making it to Australian showrooms in late 2015 or early 2016.
 
As super-frugal car it will get a concession on Luxury Car Tax; only 33 per cent of the car’s price above $75,000 (instead of $61,884) will incur LCT because it sips less than 7.0L/100km.