Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid arriving in the U.S. this summer

Posted by in Auto Green on 02 16th, 2009 | no responses

Click the S400 for a high res gallery At last week’s Chicago Auto Show Mercedes-Benz quietly announced the impending arrival of its first volume production hybrid, the S400 BlueHybrid. The S400 goes on sale this summer with the new mild hybrid system co-developed by Daimler and BMW. Unlike the Two-Mode hybrid that will go into the ML450 later this year, the S400 used a 20 hp disk shaped motor, sandwiched between the engine and transmission. In typical fashion, the system provides auto-start-stop, electric assist, and regenerative braking capabilities. The entire vehicle’s electrical components are now driven off the lithium ion battery pack that is part of the system. The hybrid motor actually supplants the conventional alternator, which should make the system both more efficient and lighter, but also quieter by eliminating another belt driven component hanging off the engine block. With the 305 hp 3.5L V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission the S400 is rated at 29.8 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle. Official EPA numbers won’t be available until closer to the on-sale date. Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid [Source: Mercedes-Benz] Continue reading Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid arriving in the U.S. this summer Auto Blog: Hybrid , Mercedes Benz Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid arriving in the U.S. this summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green