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Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Wooski, May 15, 2009.

  1. Wooski

    Wooski New Member

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    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
     
    #1 Wooski, May 15, 2009
  2. Sacto1549

    Sacto1549 Member

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    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.
     
    #2 Sacto1549, May 18, 2009
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    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.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, May 18, 2009
  4. joewein

    joewein Driving in Japan

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    #4 joewein, May 18, 2009
  5. 1SMUGLEX

    1SMUGLEX I love the smug!

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    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:
     
    #5 1SMUGLEX, May 19, 2009
  6. joewein

    joewein Driving in Japan

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    #6 joewein, May 19, 2009
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Something that VW claims to be trying to but hasn't (twin hybrid anyone?)
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, May 19, 2009
  8. justlurkin

    justlurkin Señor Member

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    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. :D
     
    #8 justlurkin, May 19, 2009
  9. 1SMUGLEX

    1SMUGLEX I love the smug!

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    ^^^ 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.
     
    #9 1SMUGLEX, May 19, 2009
  10. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #10 cwerdna, Sep 18, 2009
  11. Mister Two

    Mister Two New Member

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    Either that or a first-gen Prius.:D
     
    #11 Mister Two, Sep 18, 2009
  12. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    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. :D
     
    #12 Rybold, Sep 27, 2009
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