Unloved but efficient
It seems to be slow going for the hybrid models offered by Germany’s automobile manufacturers. Whatever marques like Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen or BMW try, the demand for hybrids in the domestic market is minimal. It is only in the United States… where motorists have no liking for efficient diesel engines… that some customers have opted for cars with electrical modules. But even across the ocean the turnover is lacklustre.
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- Fuel efficiency is excellent… the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid calls for just 4.2 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres driven, fifteen percent less than the already admirably efficient E 250 CDI.
Next year BMW will be hoping to appeal to international customers with high performance hybrid versions of their 3-Series and 5-Series models. Daimler, however, have chosen a two-prong strategy. While BMW propose a 340 horsepower petrol fuelled engine the Stuttgart car makers have put their faith in the diesel engine of the E250 CDI and added the electrical assist. The fuel economy figures are persuasive… the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid calls for just 4.2 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres driven, fifteen percent less than the already admirably efficient E 250 CDI. For those who are still not convinced of the virtues of diesel power Mercedes are also adding a petrol-fuelled hybrid to their program.
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- The E 300 Hybrid which is to have its world première at the Detroit Motorshow in January will derive its power from the familiar 2.2 litre 651 diesel. The four-cylinder motor produces 204 horsepower (150 kW) and a maximum of 500 Nm of torque. The common-rail diesel will be combined with a 20 kW electric motor adding from the very outset its maximum torque of 250 Nm.
Misleading naming
In neither instance is the model designation completely accurate, fur under the bonnet there are no 2.5 litre,3 litre or 4 litre engines to be found. The E 300 Hybrid which is to have its world première at the Detroit Motorshow in January will derive its power from the familiar 2.2 litre OM 651 diesel. The four-cylinder motor produces 204 horsepower (150 kW) and a maximum of 500 Nm of torque. The common-rail diesel will be combined with a 20 kW electric motor adding from the very outset its maximum torque of 250 Nm. The electric assist adds not only a ‘boost effect’ when sharp bursts of speed are called for but also permits ‘electric only’ cruising. Fuel consumption is announced as 4.2 litres of diesel per hundred driven kilometres.
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- “With these two E-Class models we are starting a serious hybrid campaign. The modular technology will allow us to add hybrids to our other model programs”, declares Thomas Weber, development manager at Daimler.
Attack is the best defence
Given the fact that the all-important American market is reticent when it comes to diesel motorization Mercedes are building for E-Class autos for sale in the United States and in Japan an alternative hybrid power plant. The E400 delivers 306 horsepower (225 kW) and a maximum torque of 370 Nm. The same electric module as that on board the E300 Bluetec Hybrid here also adds a further 20 kW and 250 Nm. “With these two E-Class models we are starting a serious hybrid campaign. The modular technology will allow us to add hybrids to our other model programs”, declares Thomas Weber, development manager at Daimler. “With a clear focus on the diverse requirements of the market we can build exactly the models that our customers are looking for. In in the business sector the requirement is definitely for the diesel models.”
