As expected, the Mercedes press conference here in Detroit was dominated by two things: the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, and Mercedes' exceptional (but slightly worse than BMW) sales figures in 2011. Hiding in the shadows of the SL, though, was the new E400 Hybrid.
With an adjusted (window sticker) fuel economy estimate of 27 mpg combined, the E400 is the cornerstone of Mercedes' "hybrid offensive." Powering the E400 is a 302-horsepower direct-injection V6 supplemented by a 27 hp/184 pound-feet electric motor.
The E400 Hybrid's estimated fuel economy of 24/31/27 is only marginally higher than the 2012 E350, which returns 20/30/23. The E350 is powered by a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 and has a base price of $49,800. Pricing has not been released on the E400.
The E400 goes on sale here in late summer and will debut in China and Japan shortly thereafter. Markets not getting the E400 will get the diesel/hybrid E300.
blackdynamite1 says:
11:44 AM, 01/ 9/12
So it has less power and less fuel economy than the Infiniti or Lexus?
NICE!
BD