DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid

Available in the USA this year and destined for markets such as Europe, China and Japan, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid and E 400 Hybrid models have been unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

Seen as a stepping stone to fully electric vehicles, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly important in the American market, where diesels are still seen as fringe dwellers. The powerful yet frugal E-Class hybrids may also make their way to Australian shores if conditions are suitable.

Mercedes-Benz Australia's Manager for Corporate Communications, Jerry Stamoulis, told motoring.com.au the new E-Class hybrid models were not a sure thing for the Australian market, but he wouldn't rule them out.

"We're talking to factory at the moment [but] it's early days for us," said Stamoulis, who suggested that if a satisfactory business case could be drawn up, we could see them on Australian roads. "It comes down to price and availability."

The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, available in both sedan and wagon body styles, is being touted as 'the world's most fuel-efficient full-size model' with a claimed fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km. Its 150kW/500Nm four-cylinder diesel engine is paired with a 20kW/250Nm electric motor, for a combined output of 170kW/750Nm.

It emits 109 grams of CO2 per kilometre, not much more than a Toyota Prius, yet can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Top speed is more than 240km/h.

While the E 300 is a diesel-electric proposition, the E 400 Hybrid is a petrol-electric vehicle, taking advantage of a 3.5-litre V6 mill that pumps out 225kW/370Nm, with a further 20kW/250Nm from the electric motor. With a combined 245kW/620Nm, the E 400 Hybrid is good for a 6.7 second dash to 100km/h and has a top speed of 210km/h. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 8.7L/100km.

At the unveiling of the hybrid E-Class range in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz head of R&D, Professor Thomas Weber, explained the new technology has been designed to be easily incorporated into other Merc vehicles.

"This modular hybrid technology opens the way for us to add hybrid models to other model ranges in the near future," Weber said.

"With a clear focus on the varying needs of the global markets, we can offer precisely those models that our customers are demanding. Alongside a considerable reduction in fuel consumption, the E-Class hybrids are very impressive to drive – this is hybrid driving on a premium level."

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