Mercedes Benz Will Unveil New Hyrbrid In 2009

James Raia

Mercedes Benz Will Unveil New Hyrbrid In 2009 1Mercedes-Benz will launch its first passenger car with a hybrid drive, the S400 BlueHYBRID, in the summer of 2009, the manufacturer announced in Stuttgart, Germany. The model will use a modified V6 gasoline engine with compact hybrid module with a lithium-ion battery.

Based on the S350, the S400 BlueHYBRID uses a 3.5-litre engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, and a seven-speed automatic transmission configured for the hybrid module.

The system is a mild hybrid, with the electric motor boosting the gasoline engine during acceleration, along with an auto-stop function that switches off the engine when stopped, such as at traffic lights.

Mercedes Benz Will Unveil New Hyrbrid In 2009 2

Mercedes-Benz said its high-voltage lithium-ion battery is the first worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. When compared to a conventional nickel/metal hydride battery, the new battery has a higher energy density, better electrical efficiency, more compact dimensions and lower weight. It is positioned in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, with no changes to the interior or trunk space.

The Mercedes hybrid’s acceleration is  0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with an electronically-governed top speed of 155 mph. Mercedez said the hybrid will have 21 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.

Built in Germany, the S400 BlueHYBRID is planned for market launch in Europe in June 2009, followed by China in August 2009 and North America in September 2009.

Article Last Updated: March 26, 2009.

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