Sybarites

Mercedes have released their first hybrid vehicles ahead of next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The hybrid S 300 will be powered by an electric motor in conjunction with a BLUETEC diesel engine, the car is the the cleanest S Class to date and outputs 224 horsepower. The hybrid ML 450 is powered by and electric motor in conjunction with a gas engine and will be able to out put 340 horsepower. A hybrid C Class will also be released, the Mercedes hybrid cars will be available in the 2009.

PRESS RELEASE:
S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID

The modular technology concept from Mercedes-Benz includes optimised combustion engines and customised hybrid solutions, which are deployed individually or in combination depending on the vehicle class, application profile and customer requirements.

A prime example comes in the shape of the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID with its unique combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology that has given rise to the world’s most efficient, most environment-compatible premium passenger car. As a 4-cylinder with hybrid module it develops a combined system output of 165 kW / 224 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm, a figure more reminiscent of a large-displacement V8 petrol unit. The luxury saloon delivers effortless performance yet consumes just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres – equivalent to just 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre 57 grams or around 30 percent less than the current consumption and emissions benchmark in the S Class segment.

The S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet most stringent emissions standards such as EU6 or the BIN5 standard for 50 US states.

PRESS RELEASE:
ML 450 HYBRID: first German two-mode petrol hybrid SUV on the market

Mercedes-Benz will also be presenting the ML 450 HYBRID, due to be launched on the market in 2009 as the most economical two-mode petrol hybrid SUV worldwide. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables electric driving and satisfies the highest comfort demands. With a combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres – equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km.

Product highlights at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt also include the new C-Class Estate, which combines functionality with stylish design and hallmark Mercedes refinement. Mercedes-Benz will also be exhibiting various C-Class BLUETEC versions — with and without hybrid — which are due to be launched successively.