Electric technology continues to creep into new cars, especially at the upper end of the market. Mercedes-Benz’s tenth generation E-Class sedan, introduced at the Detroit auto show in January, will feature the company’s ECO start/stop function on all engine types. Daimler has also announced that the new E-Class will be offered in a plug-in hybrid version.

The E 350 e plug-in hybrid, which will be added to the lineup at an unspecified future date, will feature a four-cylinder gas engine, an electric motor and a 6.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, giving it a total system output of 210 kW (286 hp), torque of 550 N·m, and about 30 km (18.6 miles) of electric range.

The E 350 e will offer the usual PHEV goodies, such as four driver-selectable operating modes, and pre-entry climate control with a smartphone app. Mercedes has also added a couple of innovative features: an intelligent hybrid system controller that interacts with the navigation system to ensure optimal efficiency over a pre-planned route; and a haptic accelerator pedal that lets the driver know when the combustion engine will kick in.

Source: Daimler via Green Car Congress