Mercedes Poised to Launch S-Class Hybrid in 2009
Mercedes-Benz recently announced that the S400 BlueHybrid will be ready for launch in 2009, according to Car and Driver. The S400 is based on a 3.5 liter V6 engine and boasts a breakthrough lithium ion battery. The battery was developed exclusively for Mercedes-Benz and is a significant upgrade from traditional hybrids’ nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are already in common use in such consumer electronics as laptop computers. Mercedes is the first to adapt the battery to the consumer vehicle market. However, several other companies appear to be working on similar technology.
In order to conserve power, the vehicle automatically switches off when stopped and then restarts when it is time to go. Although the S400 resembles a traditional S-class in most ways, the car is carefully designed for fuel efficiency. It is estimated that the S400 will achieve approximately 30 mpg.
The 3.5 liter V6 engine will provide 295 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is reputed to achieve 0-62 mph in just 7.3 seconds.
A particularly nice feature of S400 is that the hybrid system is fully contained under the hood. Some earlier hybrids’ systems have taken up precious trunk space or passenger room.
The S400 is expected to be released in Europe in 2009. The vehicles are currently projected to hit the American market in 2010. To learn more about the new hybrids, or to test the drive the high-tech Mercedes Benz vehicles already on the market, why not stop by our convenient local dealership?
Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
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