Mercedes-Benz E300 Hybrid coming in 2011, first to use diesel-electric hybrid

Mercedes-Benz may very well become the first automaker to produce and sell a diesel-electric hybrid. According to CEO and chairman of Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, the E-Class is in-line to get a diesel-electric hybrid system in 2011.

Known as the E300 Hybrid, the model will use the company’s modified twin-turbocharged 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine from the E250 CDI. The engine will be mated to an electric-motor and a lithium-ion battery pack similar to the one seen in the S400 Hybrid.

Don’t expect to get an electric-only driving range out of the E300 Hybrid since it will only be a mild hybrid, meaning the electric-motor will assist the engine rather than helping the E-Class drive on its own.

The Mercedes-Benz E300 Hybrid is expected to average more than 47 mpg.

No word on market availability yet. The diesel-electric drivetrain will also make its way into the M, GL, R, and GLK in the future.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar