Mercedes Poised to Launch First Diesel-Hybrid By Year-End

One look around the showroom floor will tell you that there’s no shortage of hybrids, whether that be far-out concepts or forward-looking production previews. However, the general format is largely gasoline engine and electric motor(s).

Mercedes-Benz will shake this comfortable format up when it launches its first diesel-electric hybrid later this year. The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid will earn its diesel creds from a 2.2-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder. The lithium-ion battery and electric motor will be shared with the S400.

Mercedes has no plans to stop developing hybrid vehicles, and intends to use modular platforms capable of handling electric, hybrid and traditional engine options in all of its future vehicles. [via Autocar]