Mercedes-Benz is opening up a new chapter in the core segment for the brand, setting new standards for luxury-class business cars with the all new E300 BlueTEC HYBRID.

Boasting truly impressive performance, its four-cylinder diesel engine generates 204bhp of output and 500Nm of torque. The diesel engine combines with an electric motor rated at 20kW and 250Nm to produce a harmonious overall concept.

The new model does not impose compromises on passengers in terms of spaciousness, either in the interior or in the luggage compartment. The intelligent, modular hybrid concept represents a comprehensive enhancement of the S400 HYBRID - the clear market leader in its segment: no body modifications are necessary, the hybrid module is flexible and also suitable for deployment in other model series.

Here, the company's engineers have their sights set on fuel consumption figures in everyday traffic, rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption. The familiar 'Real Life Safety' philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash test results, is augmented by 'Real Life Efficiency'. The E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is based on the E250 CDI, yet has a higher output and approximately 15 percent lower fuel consumption of 4.1- 4.2 litres of diesel/100km.

The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as 'sailing', thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption. The compact electric motor, which is installed in space-saving configuration in the clutch housing between engine and transmission, is a three-phase AC internal rotor magneto motor, which generates a maximum output of 20kW and peak torque of 250Nm at an operating voltage of 120 volts.

The hybrid drive's electrical energy is provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery specially developed for use in vehicles. Its key
characteristics include an output of 19kW and an energy content of 0.8kW/h, allowing the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35km/h and for up to one kilometre. Its space-saving installation in the engine compartment in place of the conventional starter battery means that the generous interior dimensions and the luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged.

Integration of the hybrid systems without any body modifications has the practical benefit of not restricting spaciousness in any way, as well as ensuring that all hybrid models boast exactly the same high level of safety as their counterparts with an internal combustion engine - a very important aspect for Mercedes-Benz.