All premium manufacturers have at least one hybrid or/and EV vehicle in their range. Some like BMW and Audi, plan to develop even more high-tech cars in the near future such as “i” and e-tron series respectively.
So far, Mercedes-Benz has been conspicuously silent about its future plans. However, a report from Car magazine reveals that the German maker, which recently launched two hybrid versions of the E-Class simultaneously, will one-up its compatriots with a new halo sedan.
This will be accomplished by launching a limited-production model called E “Superlight” in 2015 featuring the latest in automotive technology – and then some.
A chassis constructed entirely from carbonfiber is not a novelty, but it’s not common either, being restricted to hypercars such as the Ferrari Enzo and only recently trickling down to supercars like the McLaren MP4-12C.
Yet that’s exactly the material Merc plans to use for the E “Superlight”, shaving more than 350 kg (772 pounds) off the weight of a steel-bodied car. Moreover, thanks to its stiffness, it can do away with B-pillars and make the rear doors swing out and then move rearwards, making entry and exit very easy.
Even if this vehicle was propelled by a two-cylinder air-cooled engine, the E Superlight would still be quite impressive. However, Car reports that the Superlight will be powered initially by a fuel-cell system with 150HP, which along with a 50HP electric motor, will power the rear wheels. The fuel-cell powertrain is quite a big step forward, even for a 20,000-units a year car like the Mercedes E Superlight.
The fuel-cell’s feasibility may be questionable, given the lack of refueling infrastructure. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz has already shown us its intentions with the F125 Concept pictured in the gallery. And CEO Dieter Zetsche wants to dethrone BMW and make Mercedes the world’s number one premium brand. BMW, Audi et al: you have been warned.
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