One dilemma European automakers face, is this: unlike the Japanese who are building vehicles for Americans on American soil, the Germans are ticking right along assembling their performance-driven cars across the pond.  And as the type of person who loves nothing more than slipping behind the wheel of a fast car, it’s a decision that weighs on me.  After all, I only buy local apples.  It only makes sense that I only buy local autos too, right?

Despite my internal conflict, I just can’t kick my admiration of German machinery when it comes to personal transport.  And this week, Mercedes-Benz has me drooling over a concept that’s part plug-in and part fuel cell.

Said to hint at styling of the upcoming CLS, the F800 Style concept is a five-passenger sedan that’s lines swoop smoothly from front to rear.  But like a book, you can’t judge by a quick glance at the cover.  This luxe ride boosts its environmental credibility with an all-new multi drive platform–just the kind we like to see in development–that offers a range of nearly 375 miles, as well as plug-in hybrid capabilities that allow for up to 18 miles of sole electrical power. 

Says Dr. Thomas Weber, responsible for Group Research and M-B Cars Development, in a press release, “We are dedicated to reconciling our responsibility for the environment with practical customer utility in a fascinating automobile.”  Well, we’re fascinated.  Capable of charging up at a station or by household power socket, this concept is one that’s ideal for city drivers, granting zero-emission driving at low speeds.  Couple that with fuel cell technology, and we’ve got one very expensive–but eco considerate–car. I, for one, am eager to see more.