Looks like the first press drives of the forthcoming Mercedes S400 hybrid are coming out. Interestingly the car has similiar economy (but better CO2) to the S350 diesal whilst offerring better performance. It's a left hand drive only model mainly for the U.S. and German markets, and is not coming to the UK: Mercedes S400 Hybrid (2009) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online
It's a very good idea but I would love to see M-B offer it on the new E-class sedan/coupe with a 2.4-liter I-6 engine, which could result in excellent fuel economy for an E-class sedan without the diesel emission issues of the E320 BlueTec.
Interesting, it's rated better than the LS600h L but granted it's the SWB S-Class and it's slightly slower to 60 and isn't 4WD like the Lexus is. Still, if it gives the snobs a chance to be snobbier, I say good for MB! It'll get the Europeans on board hybrids sooner.
It claims to be the world's first lithium-ion battery hybrid in production. Unlike the Li-ion batteries used in mobile phones and laptops this one is supposed to last for the lifetime of the car, not just three years. Here's another article: 2010 Mercedes S400 Hybrid Review; World's First Lithium Ion Powered Mass Produced Hybrid - AllCarsElectric.com
It has 275hp, the LS has 438. The 600h L is the flaghship for Lexus and focuses on power and economy. As you stated its AWD and weighs (gulp) 5000 lbs. The LS has a 5.0 V-8 hybrid, the S class a 3.5 V-6 hybrid. I also do think its great Benz joined the hybrid party.:rockon::welcome:
According to this article: Road & Track Magazine - First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid (3/2009) the S400 BlueHybrid uses an Atkinson cycle engine, like the Prius. I think it's a great move by MB and not before time: V12 and V8 engines are for dinosaurs. Once this recession ends, oil prices will spike like never before.
I wonder if Mercedes-Benz had to pay licensing fees to Honda.. The Road and Track article mentions that the S400 BlueHybrid has a 20hp disk motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. Sounds awfully familiar, dunit? I find it ironic that the Mercedes S400BH is actually a Honda IMA hybrid in disguise.
^^^ With USA CAfe laws changing and diesels still frowned upon here (for the most part), the Germans will have to move quickly to hybrids or other methods. Toyota is so far in front the game its not funny. While other companies scramble, Toyota saw this coming back in 1992.
When you take that big plastic cover off of the Mercedes engine, you will find a Honda four cylinder underneath (joking). Most people don't realize that the big plastic thing is just a cover and not the actual engine, so Mercedes is safe.
