Frankfurt motor show 2007 - Mercedes

At a show where environmentally friendly motoring is the underlying theme, Mercedes-Benz trumped its rivals by presenting no fewer than 19 models outlining its strategy for a greener future.

More efficiency
Mercedes' eco-initiatives will begin with the introduction of more efficient engines to its traditional range, including adding the V6 petrol currently available in the CLS 350 CGI to the E-Class saloon and estate ranges.

The engine, which will be available from December, offers 20bhp more than its predecessor in the E-Class, but its emissions are 10% lower.

The C220 CDI estate will also benefit from improved efficiency and performance from December, with its engine getting 20bhp more than its predecessors, but consuming more than 10% less fuel.

In April 2008 the C200 CDI will be added to the C-Class range. Its 136bhp engine emits 135g/km of carbon dioxide.

In June the A160 CDI will be launched, which emits just 119g/km of carbon dioxide.

Mercedes' second natural gas-powered car, the B170 NGT, will be launched in the summer of 2008 with emissions of 135g/km. The other is the E200 NGT.

Going blue to go green
A diesel emission control system called Bluetec was also unveiled in Frankfurt, with the first models to benefit from the system coming out this year.

Already launched in the USA in 2006, the system will be fitted to five models over coming months, starting with the E300, which will be launched in December.

It will be on sale alongside the existing E320 CDI, with the Bluetec engine having 211bhp compared to the diesel's 224bhp.

The R, ML and GL 320 Bluetec models will follow in 2008, powered by a 211bhp engine, while in 2009 a 204bhp C250 Bluetec will follow.

Blutec engines use an extra exhaust catalyst to remove nitrous oxide (NOx) - the sooty particulates that many environmentalists believe can cause cancer.

A chemical additive reduces NOx without pushing up CO2. That chemical is a naturally occurring one called urea, which Mercedes has renamed Adblue.

Mercedes does hybrids, too...
The ML450 Hybrid will also be launched in 2009, which operates in either electric-only mode or a combined electric and petrol mode.

Two electric motors develop 163bhp, and with the petrol V6 in action, it can produce 321bhp.

At the same time, the S400 Hybrid will be unveiled. The S-Class Hybrid will combine a 279bhp petrol engine with a 20bhp electric motor.

It will travel from 0-62mph in 7.3sec, but emit 190g/km of CO2.

...And fuel cell cars
A fuel cell car called the B-Class F-Cell was also among the line-up, and is touted to go into production in 2010. The engine develops 136bhp.

The new E-Class is also due in 2010 and will be offered with Bluetec and hybrid technology. The 2.2-litre engine will have 204bhp, with a hybrid drivetrain delivering an additional 20bhp.

The S-Class S300 will also be offered with the same power units, while the C-Class will follow suit in 2011.

Even more green technology
The F700 concept car showcases Mercedes' vision for the long-distance saloon, combining extreme comfort with low emissions, thanks to its ground-breaking Diesotto engine technology.

The car is powered by a 1.8-litre engine, which emits just 127g/km of carbon dioxide.

It uses a special system that gives petrol engine performance with diesel engine emissions.

Comfort features include a system that scans the road ahead, and adjusts the suspension electronically according to the surface conditions, as well as a reversed rear seat, which allows an occupant to stretch out facing the rear window.