Mercedes-Benz is likely to launch the hybrid version of its Luxury S400 sedan, the S400 BlueHybrid, in Europe in June 2009. We have already covered that BMW will be unveiling the 7 Series BlueHybrid concept car in the Paris Motor Show and Mercedes – Benz is following suit.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid will be the first automotive hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack. It will be powered by 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.
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
