Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid (2010) at Geneva motor show

Mercedes unveiled its first ever diesel hybrid at the 2010 Geneva motor, along with a Bluetec version of its ageing Geländewagen and an SLS AMG supercar decked out in full F1 safety car spec.

They’re pretty good. The E300 Bluetec Hybrid features Merc’s 201bhp twin-turbo, 2.1-litre four-pot, with a 15kW electric motor positioned between it and the seven-speed auto ‘box. The motor is powerful enough for electric-only driving, the claimed figures are 68.9mpg and 109g/km CO2, and sales start at the end of 2011.

It’s hardly a showstopper, but Mercedes has outfitted its ancient 4x4 with its state-of-the-art NOx battling tech. The engine itself is hardly the most powerful (208bhp) but there is 398lb ft produced from 1600 to 2400rpm, and NOx emissions are cut by around 50%.

If diesels aren’t your thing then Mercedes also has the SLS AMG on display, and in full 2010 F1 safety car-spec. The 6.2-litre V8 is unchanged, but there is a ‘aerodynamically optimised light bar incorporating LED technology’ complete with TV camera. If Merc can’t lock out the front row with Messrs Schumacher, Button and Hamilton, then at least they’ll be one three-pointed star leading the field on a few occasions.

By Tim Pollard