Mercedes BlueZero

It looks like blue will be the colour of this year's Mercedes show stand at the Detroit Motor Show. The German giant is set to reveal three variants of its new BlueZero concept, revealed here for the very first time. Based on the same platform that underpins the new B-Class, all three promise ultra-green credentials thanks to a heady mix of cutting edge technology, and advanced design.The most ambitious of the three is the all-electric BlueZero E-Cell, which is powered by lithium-ion batteries and a 100kw electric motor that boasts an impressive 320Nm of torque.

Merc claims that only two hours of charge will power the BlueZero E-Cell for around 100km (62 miles). That’s might not sound like much but as the car is being aimed solely at city drivers, it should fit the bill for eco-conscious types with short commutes.

For drivers with longer distance journeys, Mercedes has developed two, longer-legged alternatives in the form of the BlueZero E-Cell Plus and the B-Class F-Cell.

The E-Cell Plus uses the same set-up as the E-Cell, but it also features an internal combustion engine – a three-cylinder turbochrged unit borrowed from child company, Smart – which acts as a generator, charging the batteries on the move and stretching the range of the eco-Merc out to a respectable 600km (373 miles).

The third and final BlueZone variant – the F-Cell – gets a hydrogen fuel cell. Mercedes claims that the F-Cell will emit no emissions whatsoever and kick out around 134bhp and 320NM of torque – roughly the equivalent of a modern turbodiesel powerplant.

But it’s not all about showcasing the latest eco-friendly powertrains. The exterior of the BlueZone is a big hint to what the next generation of B-Class will look like when it arrives in 2010. The flat nose, swooping and sculpted sides and peculiar headlamps could all make their way onto the new B-Class when it arrives in showrooms, and you can bet that there will be at least one alternatively-fuelled B-Class on sale in 2009.