Mercedes launches E-Class plug-in model

Mercedes Benz has confirmed its new E-Class model at the Detroit Motor Show, adding that the vehicle will also appear as a plug-in hybrid variant.

The E-Class claims to set higher standards of interior quality, safety and efficiency, available with a choice of two engines: one petrol and one diesel (both 2.0 litres). The diesel boasts class leading non-hybrid efficiency figures, offering CO2 levels of 102 g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 72.4 MPG from the 195 hp unit.

The most efficient model will be the E350e, a plug-in variant of the E-Class. The E350e represents a halfway point between the plug-in versions of the C and S-Class models. The new hybrid features a tweaked version of the smaller C-Class’s powertrain for a combined power output of 279hp and a 205hp 2.0 litre petrol engine and an 82hp electric motor. Mercedes Benz claim the  E350e is capable of a weighted combined 134.5 MPG, emits 49 g/km CO2 and has an electric only range of around 19 miles.

To extend the car’s efficiency figure, Mercedes has created a strong lightweight platform with the majority of the car’s material constructed from aluminium.

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