Mercedes-Benz introduced the 10th generation of its E-Class sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. The E-Class will be available only in gasoline and diesel versions at market launch, but the E 350 e plug-in hybrid model will be added to the lineup at a later date.

Mercedes has released few details of the planned PHEV, saying only that it will have a four-cylinder gas burner paired with an electric motor to deliver total system output of 210 kW (286 hp) and torque of 550 N·m. Electric range is estimated at about 18 miles.

All versions of the new E-Class feature start/stop technology, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a wide range of driver assistance systems, including Remote Parking Pilot, which allows the vehicle to be parked remotely using a smartphone app.

In order to reduce fuel consumption, Mercedes engineers have lowered vehicle weight and improved aerodynamic performance. The new Benz uses a far higher proportion of aluminum components than its predecessor, and features a system of shutters that open and close automatically, cooling the engine, reducing wind noise and helping to bring the drag coefficient down to 0.23.

Source: Green Car Congress