Mercedes will score a world first by offering a hybrid estate car when it launches the new E-class wagon in 2010. Recently spotted testing near Stuttgart, the next generation, W212 E-class is underpinned by an all-new large car platform and will offer hybrid-electric powertrains, along with ultra-clean Bluetec diesel engines.

Mercedes’ two-mode hybrid system works in a similar way to the Toyota Prius’, but teams an 18bhp electric motor with an ultra-clean 2.2-litre Bluetec diesel engine.

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