11 Future Hybrids Heading to Dealers Soon

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

Mercedes is currently offering a unique hybrid in the European marketplace. Instead of a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the E300 Hybrid features a diesel-electric powertrain, which will allow it to go 870 miles until a refill.

In the U.S., Mercedes has a different strategy. The E400 Hybrid has a gas-electric drivetrain, which uses a direct injection V6 and an electric motor. Mercedes expects the E400 Hybrid to get 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.  That might not sound impressive in terms of fuel economy, but remember, this is a full-size luxury sedan here, outfitted with the latest high-tech gadgets.

Thanks to the hybrid technology, the car has enough power to make that heavy lifting easy again. In true luxury-segment attention to detail, the E400 Hybrid features no compromise to cargo space, or passenger comfort.

“Our ultimate goal is emissions-free driving and every model that we offer now takes us closer to that goal both in terms of customer acceptance and real-world experience,” Said Nicole Wiess, from Mercedes PR team. “In other words, every vehicle we have on the market now is a step toward making that vision a reality by giving us real-world experience with harnessing electric power, on-board storage etc.”

Mercedes’ says its strategy is to make its hybrid technology as versatile and modular as possible.

“With these two E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive,” said Thomas Weber, Head of Research Development at Mercedes-Benz.  “The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models”

The two E-class models really express Mercedes’ philosophy and feature the same hybrid power train, but with different internal combustion engines.

“We will continue to build on this portfolio rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach for our environmentally oriented buyers,” said Weiss.