Amidst speculation and rumors, Mercedes-Benz has finally decided to lift the curtain and announce the launching of its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in the summer of 2009 – the S 400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a stagering 29.8 mpg (7.9 liters per 100 kilometrers). This makes for the world’s lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class – just 190 grams per kilometer. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with assured performance. The 3.5-liter gasoline engine develops an output of 279 hp / 205 kW, the electric motor generates 20 hp / 15 kW and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 299 hp / 220 kW and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres. Moreover, the new S 400 BlueHYBRID is the first series-production model to be equipped with a particularly efficient lithium-ion battery specially developed for automotive use. This is another major contribution by Mercedes-Benz to the electrification of the car.

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