Mercedes has taken its common or garden E-Class saloon and added an electric motor to the 201bhp 2.1-litre turbodiesel to come up with the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid. It can run on battery power alone and offers 68.9mpg combined economy.
Why's it here?
Mercedes will be in a race to be the first to launch a diesel-electric hybrid car with several other makers, but the Silver Arrows crew stand a good chance of winning. The E 300 Bluetec Hybrid will go on sale early in 2011, with emissions of just 109g/km.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Sadly for this Merc saloon, it slips into show filler alongside the gorgeous F 800 concept and SLS Formula One pace car on the same stand. Still, plenty of company car drivers will be excited by the 109g/km carbon dioxide emissions, as this means the E 300 Bluetec will be very easy on the tax front.
Check out the press conference from the show below: