Mercedes-Benz to have 58 BlueEfficiency models by end of 2009

The BlueEfficiency tag is used by Mercedes-Benz to denote cars that have efficiency-enhancing design features and materials to yield a completely conventional car that's up to 23% more efficient than a typical car. BMW has a similar system with their EfficientDynamics program.

"The success of this concept is clearly demonstrated by the new E-Class, which combines state-of-the-art engines and the world's best Cd (Coefficient of drag) value in this vehicle class with further vehicle optimization measures, including lightweight design and intelligent energy management," said Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler board member for group research and development for Mercedes-Benz cars.

BlueEfficiency shouldn't be confused with BlueTEC, which is Mercedes' range of low emissions diesel vehicles, although the Stuttgart carmaker is looking to expand that range as well, with the GL, M and R-Class already containing BlueTEC models.

Mercedes are also looking to introduce hybrid models, with the S400 hybrid set to be the most fuel efficient luxury sedan with a quoted fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres per 100km. The next hybrid model is expected to be the ML450 hybrid SUV, with an estimated fuel consumption figure of between 9.8 and 11.2 litres per 100km.

These three elements highlight the core aspects of Mercedes' strategy for efficiency: applying technology to the problems of fuel consumption and pollution.

Further down in the future, Mercedes have already been making steady progress in electric vehicles and fuel cell technologies that promise to completely offload the emissions generation process to electrical energy or hydrogen storage plants, which by their design nature can more efficiently process and treat the harmful by-products of the energy generation process. The recently announced electric version of the SLS AMG supercar is an indication of what's to come.