Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid to be launched in Europe

Mercedes Benz S400 BlueHybrid photo

Mercedes-Benz is likely to launch the 30-mpg hybrid version of its Luxury S400 sedan, the S400 BlueHybrid, in Europe in June 2009, BusinessWeek said.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will be the first automotive hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will have a Mercedes 3.5L V-6 gas engine, which is not available in the US S-Class, along with the 15kW electric motor/generator. The lithium-ion battery of the Mercedes-Benz S400 will be installed under the hood, and will be integrated with the Mercedes-Benz S400’s climate control system. This will ensure that the battery of the Mercedes-Benz S400 will always operate at the optimal temperature between 15 degree and 35 degree C, leading to better performance.

Mercedes-Benz has said the lithium-ion battery will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid also conserves energy while breaking and passes it on to the battery.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid rear view

Mercedes-Benz claims that the maximum output of the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid is 220 kW/299 hp, and the corresponding maximum torque is 375 Nm. The Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHybrid is expected to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Apart from the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid, Mercedes-Benz will also launch other Mercedes-Benz models using the BlueHybrid and other diesel hybrids.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will be launched along with the Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid, which will also use a 3.5L V-6 engine combined with the two-mode hybrid system. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will be launched in the US and China after the Europe launch in 2009.

Mercedes-Benz has said the premium for the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will be less €10,000.