Mercedes-Benz unveils hybrids

The German marque is having a bet each way, with the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Bluetec diesel-electric hybrid and the E 400 petrol-electric model set to debut at the Detroit motor show in January.

Both are claiming much-improved performance and economy without any sacrifice in the realm of cargo space.

The diesel-powered E 300 hybrid (available in sedan and wagon guise) is laying claim to a preliminary 4.2 litres per 100km and 109g/km from the four-cylinder turbodiesel hybrid set-up - the system has 150kW and 500Nm from the diesel and an additional 20kW and 250Nm from the electric motor and lithium-ion battery side of the drivetrain, enough for Benz to claim top spot as the economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.

The E 400 hybrid produces 225kW and 370Nm from the V6 petrol engine, assisted by the electric system's 20kW and 250Nm - the company says it can (using US figures) return a combined figure in the region of 8.7l/100km.

The German brand says there is no intrusion on luggage space or the occupant space from the modular hybrid system, which can be used in other models. 

The E 300 hybrid will be on sale in Europe mid-year, while it's petrol-powered E 400 sibling will head for the US mid-year and then other markets after that. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the Australian arm of the company is looking at both cars but there's no word on availability for Australia yet.

"We've expressed interest in both, but until we know what is available to us, as well as specification and pricing - more details will come soon," he says.

"Considering what economy we get from the E 250 CDI, we think if it carries a price premium for the hybrids above the existing range, it's probably something we won't take, but we won't know that until we see the final number we won't know, it will depend on the price premium," he says.