Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID

The new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is all set for its market launch with record efficiency values of 4.2 litres of diesel/100 km and 109 g CO2/km, accompanied by increased torque and power output. Its modular hybrid concept with a lithium-ion battery does not impose any compromises on space and offers an impressive driving experience thanks to start/stop, regenerative braking, the boost effect, all-electric driving and sailing. Available as either a saloon or estate, the new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the world's most fuel-efficient model in the luxury segment.

 

Mercedes-Benz is opening up a new chapter in the core segment for the brand, setting new standards for luxury-class business cars: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which is available as a Saloon and an Estate, boasts truly impressive performance. Its 4-cylinder diesel engine generates 150 kW (204 hp) of output and 500 Nm of torque. The diesel engine combines with an electric motor rated at 20 kW and 250 Nm to produce a harmonious overall concept.

 

 

The new model does not impose compromises on passengers in terms of spaciousness, either in the interior or in the luggage compartment. The intelligent, modular hybrid concept represents a comprehensive enhancement of the S 400 HYBRID – the clear market leader in its segment: no body modifications are necessary, the hybrid module is flexible and also suitable for deployment in other model series.

 

The extra cost of € 3570 with a comparable level of equipment is moderate:
in Germany the Saloon version of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID costs € 51,794.75, the Estate version € 55,007.75 (both incl. 19% VAT). Both models will be launched in the third quarter 2012.

 

 

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID forms part of the brand's downsizing strategy, which involves making conventional models perform far more efficiently than previously – without sacrificing driveability or comfort. Here the company's engineers have their sights set on fuel consumption figures in everyday traffic, rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption. The familiar "Real Life Safety" philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash-test results, is augmented by "Real Life Efficiency".

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is based on the E 250 CDI, yet has a higher output and approx. 15 percent lower fuel consumption.

 

Overview of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID:

 

On the road therefore, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is comparable to the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm), yet it boasts around 35 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of vehicle weight too, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is on a par with the E 300 CDI.

At the same time, hybridisation enhances ride comfort: the car starts and moves off in virtual silence, while the hybrid module also dampens any internal combustion engine vibrations. What's more, full climate control is available even in start/stop mode.

 

 

Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance both comfort and efficiency, as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness:

 

The hybrid drive unit is a further development of the module from the S 400 HYBRID and is based on the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Distinguishing features include omission of the hydraulic torque converter and the addition of a wet clutch of the kind also found in the high-performance AMG models. Consequently, the electric motor can be integrated in the transmission unit in such a way that it takes up only marginally more space than the 7G-TRONIC (+65 mm). The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as "sailing", thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption.

 

The compact electric motor, which is installed in space-saving configuration in the clutch housing between engine and transmission, is a 3-phase AC internal rotor magneto motor which generates a maximum output of 20 kW and peak torque of 250 Nm at an operating voltage of 120 volts.

 

 

The hybrid drive's electrical energy is provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery specially developed for use in vehicles. Its key characteristics include an output of 19 kW and an energy content of 0.8 kWh, allowing the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35 km/h and for up to one kilometre. Its space-saving installation in the engine compartment in place of the conventional starter battery means that the generous interior dimensions and the luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged. In addition to serving as an energy accumulator for the electric motor, the lithium-ion battery is also connected via the voltage converter to the 12V on-board electrical system, which supplies power to standard power-consuming devices such as the headlamps and the comfort features.

Sophisticated packaging means that numerous hybrid-specific components such as the high-performance electronics in the engine compartment can be directly incorporated with the internal combustion engine, thus neatly rounding off the modularity concept: the hybrid models can be produced on the same assembly line as their conventional counterparts without needing to be diverted elsewhere. Another plus point of the overall concept is the scalability and compatibility with other vehicles and engines.

 

 

Integration of the hybrid systems without any body modifications has the practical benefit of not restricting spaciousness in any way, as well as ensuring that all hybrid models boast exactly the same high level of safety as their counterparts with an internal combustion engine – a very important aspect for Mercedes-Benz. Accident behaviour has been successfully tested in crash simulations and tests.

 

 

Boost function: the electric motor assists the internal combustion engine by providing additional drive torque when the car needs to accelerate – when overtaking, for example.

 

HOLD function: one feature unique to Mercedes is the interaction between the useful HOLD function and the start/stop system: when the HOLD function is activated (by fully depressing the brake pedal when the car is stationary), the internal combustion engine remains switched off even when the driver's foot comes off the brake pedal. Alternatively, if the car remains stationary for a longer period, the driver can move the transmission selector lever to the "P" position or apply the parking brake instead of keeping a foot on the brake pedal.

 

Lithium-ion battery: this has an output of 19 kW and an energy content of 0.8 kWh. This enables the E-Class to travel at up to 35 km/h for up to one kilometre under electric power alone. Its major advantages over a conventional nickel/metal hydride battery are a higher energy density and higher electrical efficiency, combined with more compact dimensions and a lower battery weight.

 

Wet start-up clutch: dispensing with a hydraulic torque converter enables the electric motor to be integrated into the transmission unit in such a way that it only requires marginally more installation space than 7G-TRONIC (+65 mm). The wet start-up clutch also allows purely electric driving, as well as "sailing", and therefore significantly increases the potential for reducing consumption.

 

Kinetic energy recuperation: when coasting or braking. When the car is coasting (decelerating on the overrun), the electric motor acts as a generator and feeds the kinetic energy back to the high-voltage battery. When the brake pedal is depressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes also operated. To make this function possible the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has brakes specially adapted for energy recuperation.

 

Sailing: this is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric motor alone until the battery needs recharging.