Mercedes to fit C-Class with hybrid plug-in tech

Frankfurt

MERCEDES-BENZ is putting a plug-in hybrid drivetrain into a luxury mid-size sedan for the first time in an effort to outflank BMW AG's 3-Series on fuel efficiency.

Mercedes's best-selling C-Class will get plug-in technology first made available last year in the company's aristocratic S-Class. After a debut this week at the Detroit motor show, the newest C-Class is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in March and reach the US in September.