Mercedes-Benz announces E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

29 March 2012

Mercedes-Benz announced a new diesel hybrid model, E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. By combining the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder diesel engine in long distance driving with the advantages of a hybrid in city traffic, the vehicle’s fuel consumption is only 4.4 l/100 km (53 mpg). The corresponding CO₂ rating is 109 g/km.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, combined with a hybrid module.

A 15 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating and, in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy. The vehicle can be also operated in all-electric mode, with a driving range of 1 km.

Based on the modular hybrid principle developed by Mercedes-Benz, the system utilizes a lithium-ion battery and a wet start-up clutch. The hybrid module weighs about 100 kg.

In time for the market launch the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will receive an environmental certificate according to ISO standard TR 14062.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will be available in the European market from the third quarter of 2012. For other markets, Mercedes will introduce the E 400 HYBRID powered by an electric motor and a V6 gasoline engine. The vehicles will be launched in the American market, and later in other countries such as Japan and China.

Source: Daimler