New Mercedes-Benz E-Class likely to spawn hybrid variant
As the U.S. media is driving the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class in Las Vegas this week, word comes out that this platform may be the next recipient of hybrid technology. The first two Mercedes-Benz hybrids will be the S400 and ML450 coming this summer and fall, respectively. When the E hybrid lands, it will likely be an E400 using the same mild hybrid system as its big brother. That means a 3.5-liter V6 along with a 15 kW pancake motor/generator. Like the S400, packaging should be straightforward thanks to a lithium ion battery the size of the standard 12V battery. It's not known when or if the E400 hybrid will join the U.S. lineup because of the model proliferation that Mercedes is trying to avoid. The E is smaller and lighter than the S, so an E400 should top 30 mpg combined.
[source: The Car Connection]
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