Mercedes-Benz to show gasoline and diesel powered E-Class hybrids in Detroit

Mercedes-Benz will be showing up to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with not one but two E-Class Hybrid sedans. One of the E-Class hybrids will be powered by a diesel engine while the other will be powered by a gasoline unit.

The Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid with the gasoline-electric powertrain will be offered in the United States and will eventually make its way to China. The Mercedes-Benz E300 Bluetec Hybrid with a diesel setup will go on sale in Europe. It will be available as a sedan and a station wagon.

At the main core of both E-Class hybrid models will be what Mercedes-Benz calls the “intelligent modular hybrid concept.” The setup includes a lithium-ion battery pack and a 20kW electric motor that produces 184 pound-feet of torque. The system also features other fuel-saving technologies including a stop-start system, and a regenerative braking system.

The Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid combines that setup to a 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine making 302-hp and 263 lb-ft. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 24/31 mpg (city/highway). The E300 Bluetec Hybrid puts that system together with a 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel making 201-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy is estimated at 56 mpg.

Stay tuned for more details.

– By: Omar Rana