- Competes with: Lexus LS 600h
- Looks like: Exactly like any other S-Class
- Drivetrain: 279-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 15 kW electric motor and seven-speed automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: Late summer 2009
Ahead of the Paris auto show, Mercedes-Benz announced that its all-new S400 BlueHybrid will hit European dealerships in the summer of 2009 and arrive on U.S. shores shortly thereafter. The V-6-powered mild hybrid will couple a seven-speed automatic transmission with a 20-hp electric motor for expected combined mileage of 29.8 mpg. The current U.S. S500 gets 16 mpg combined, while Europe has a less-powerful gasoline version.
This would make the S400 the fuel-economy leader in the large-luxury-sedan category, and it will use a lithium-ion battery. If you've been keeping up with news of the Chevy Volt, you'll recall that lithium-ion batteries are all the rage. For all that rage, though, Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker to put a production vehicle on the road with the new type of battery — a full year ahead of GM's Volt. Other companies, including Audi, are also working on lithium-ion products, but none have a definitive release date.
The battery will not only assist the engine but, along with regenerative braking, will provide power for other electrical accessories. No word on pricing yet, but our guess is it will not be cheap.
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