In Stuttgart, Mercedes recently announced its new E300 BlueTEC HYBRID. This diesel hybrid boasts of a fuel consumption of only 4.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Efficiency without compromise, such is Mercedes’ mantra for its automobiles, and the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID is no exception. In the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 204 hp with a powerful hybrid module. Its 15 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating to provide additional boost in power and in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy. The car can also be driven under electric power alone.

Mercedes’ hybrid module adds only 100 kilos to a platform’s standard weight. Apart from that, it’s major advantage over that of other hybrid systems is that it requires no modifications to the bodyshell. Thus, it can be easily implemented across a wide range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.