From correspondents in Berlin

July 16, 2006
This article from : Agence France-Presse

THE first hybrid Mercedes car will be launched at the start of 2008, German-US parent company DaimlerChrysler said overnight, in an effort to tap into a growing market as consumers look to cut their fuel bills.

Soaring fuel prices have led to a rise in sales of hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of petrol and electric propulsion which cuts consumption and emissions. Japanese automakers have stolen a march on competitors, launching several hybrid cars, most notably Toyota with its Prius.

A hybrid Mercedes S Class was presented at the recent Frankfurt car show, and the firm has previously said that it would be launched in the US and Japanese markets.

source : couriermail.news.com.au

From correspondents in Berlin

July 16, 2006
This article from : Agence France-Presse

THE first hybrid Mercedes car will be launched at the start of 2008, German-US parent company DaimlerChrysler said overnight, in an effort to tap into a growing market as consumers look to cut their fuel bills.

Soaring fuel prices have led to a rise in sales of hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of petrol and electric propulsion which cuts consumption and emissions. Japanese automakers have stolen a march on competitors, launching several hybrid cars, most notably Toyota with its Prius.

A hybrid Mercedes S Class was presented at the recent Frankfurt car show, and the firm has previously said that it would be launched in the US and Japanese markets.

source : couriermail.news.com.au

But the engines won't actually start until 2009.

Sorry, left that one wide open :D

Dear Dr. Z:

Welcome to 2006! Glad you're here. Please build something that does not break. Thanks.

and you thought their electrics were bad now

I'm gonna take a wild guess and say they're gonna use their new 3.5L V6 plus an electric motor. From the statement, I got the impression they are going after economy, not performance hybrids like Lexus does.

......................................
The technology will be offered on the S-Class in the form of a "mild" hybrid configuration. A mild hybrid setup costs less than a full hybrid system. It works by using an electric motor to provide additional power, rather than operating independently. Unlike full hybrids, the gas engine in a mild hybrid configuration is always running. The hybrid S-Class will go up against the Lexus LS 600h L, which is a 430 horsepower full hybrid.

I will be very afraid of their Hybrids, very afraid.

......................................
Mercedes will not be able to compete with the LS 600h L. It will blow away Mecedes' S class hybrid. They will retreat with their tail between their legs. I kinda want to see this matchup...

very nice, definitely want to see what they can put up, when lexus already has 3 yrs head start on the system. it's funny they are putting the ls600hl as competitor though :)

By the time this thing comes out, there'll probably an LS700hll, built on yet another generation of hybrid technology, and maybe 550 hp and 30 mpg.

Mild hybrids offer little improvement but is a nice way for companies to "supercharge" their engines, slap on a hybrid badge and call themselves green. Think Accord Hybrid. Same method with the new S-Class. It's more like (oh yeah Lexus? well.. well.. we have more hp than you.. )

It may be enough to confuse the market of typical buyers, i.e., those not as aware of differences in hybrid drivetrains.

Besides, fuel economy is IRRELEVANT for vehicles like the S-class and LS600h.

Besides, fuel economy is IRRELEVANT for vehicles like the S-class and LS600h.
True. But some people want V12 power without being so eco-incorrect about it.

I doubt that Lexus will ever make a V12 for their sedans. And with the current trend in gas prices, I doubt that it would be viable if they try. MB has a great history with powerful V12 engines, and will have the prestige to continue them even if the sales numbers drop.

For now, the V12-power trend will turn to V8s or V10s with hybrid systems. I wonder when BMW will join the club?

BMW still has plenty of time. Hybrids are still in it's infancy and Toyota has only scratched the surface. If I were BMW I would be developing some new technology to either catch up or be one up on the competition with new and efficient drivetrains other than just gasoline engines...

True. But some people want V12 power without being so eco-incorrect about it.

I doubt that Lexus will ever make a V12 for their sedans. And with the current trend in gas prices, I doubt that it would be viable if they try. MB has a great history with powerful V12 engines, and will have the prestige to continue them even if the sales numbers drop.

For now, the V12-power trend will turn to V8s or V10s with hybrid systems. I wonder when BMW will join the club?
very true, that's how i see it too. i think hybrid really means differently on lexus side than toyota. on toyota it's all about efficiency, cost, environment, etc....

however on the lexus side, i think it's their form of power, just like superchargers on amg. gas mileage isn't really the top of their pirorities at all. if you look at the rx400h, gs450h, they have pretty good gas mileage for their power, but it's definitely not something impressive

Yeah but think about it. You can have your cake and eat it too! It can efficient if you want it to be or it can be powerful and sporty (GS450h) if you feel like it.

Or think about it this way. When I'm commuting to work, it's efficient and saving me money so that I can spend it on the race track and throw it into corners and run with the big boys.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2006/0717/mercedes.sclass.hybrid.500.jpg
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid, first seen at the Frankfurt show last year, will go into production in 2008. It's the leading edge of an extensive lineup of hybrids Mercedes is working on.

Date posted: 07-18-2006

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz plans to begin sales of a gasoline/electric hybrid version of the S-Class in early 2008, which will be followed by several other hybrid Mercedes models.

That's according to comments made by Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz's head of R&D, in an interview published by German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche on Monday.

The new car, previewed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, will be the first hybrid model sold by Mercedes-Benz. It is expected to be the first of a lineup of advanced gasoline/electric models including specially adapted versions of the E-Class, M-Class and GL-Class. All are currently under development at the German carmaker's headquarters in Stuttgart. Weber said in the interview that this new lineup will be launched "well before 2010."

The new S-Class is described by Weber as a "mild hybrid." It is expected to be powered by Mercedes' 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine, as recently unveiled in the CLS350 CGI. With it will be an 8.2-hp electric motor, mounted within the gearbox housing, which will be powered by electricity obtained during braking. A stop/start function will help reduce fuel consumption in city traffic.

Similar to the system employed by the Honda Insight, the S-Class's gasoline engine provides the primary propulsion, with the electric motor providing assistance whenever extra power is required — during hard acceleration or on steep gradients, for example. The electric motor can not operate independently of the gasoline engine, meaning the new Mercedes-Benz will not be compatible for zero emissions. It can generate electricity for the battery or consume electricity from the battery, but not both at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz has formed an alliance with General Motors and BMW to develop a "direct hybrid" system in which the electric motor can propel the car independently of the gasoline engine over long trips. No time frame has yet been announced for the introduction of a direct hybrid Mercedes, though. Weber says both systems have advantages and eventually should sell concurrently in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

What this means to you: Toyota may have a head start in hybrid technology, but Mercedes-Benz is spending big to ensure it is not left behind.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116150#2

you freaking kidding me 8.2 hp electric motor, thats not going to do jack on a car the size of a S. The electric motors on a GS450h alone produce up to 200 hp

The electric motors on a GS450h alone produce up to 200 hp
Actually, 292 hp comes from the engine, and 47 hp come from the hybrid system. Total: 339 hp.

But the MB system is still rather crappy...

Actually, 292 hp comes from the engine, and 47 hp come from the hybrid system. Total: 339 hp.

But the MB system is still rather crappy...

on hybrids the power curves of the gas engine and electric motors are different you cant simply add them up, alone they said the two GS electic motors can produce almost 200 together. Also they arent operating all the time together

8.2 hp... thats basically enough to start the engine, which is why they are using it. It is basically start/stop system and thats it.

At least Mercedes is playing the game but they are following the leader at this point. We know that Toyota is the leader in this hybrid game. The new hybrid S class will be no match to the 600h L and I can't wait till one of the car magazines does a comparison test between the two. It will be imortalized that the 600h L will dominate any luxury hybrid that the other luxury manufacturers can dish out. Good luck to Mercedes...

At least Mercedes is playing the game but they are following the leader at this point. We know that Toyota is the leader in this hybrid game. The new hybrid S class will be no match to the 600h L and I can't wait till one of the car magazines does a comparison test between the two. It will be imortalized that the 600h L will dominate any luxury hybrid that the other luxury manufacturers can dish out. Good luck to Mercedes...
well if it's just 8hp then they might just as well drop it though, why follow the leader when you are doing almost nothing except trying to put the word "hybrid" on paper?!

well if it's just 8hp then they might just as well drop it though, why follow the leader when you are doing almost nothing except trying to put the word "hybrid" on paper?!
It appears that Mercedes is trying to piggyback or capture some of the market by putting "hybrid" on paper to sell and appeal to the public so that Mercedes can say they are thinking greener as well. I'm not sure why Mercedes is trying to follow the leader but they are following the leader none the less...

i bet the 8.2 hp motor is just going to start the engine after a stop the car itself wont actually be propelled by electric motoring, all its going to eliminate is the gas wasted during idle

i bet the 8.2 hp motor is just going to start the engine after a stop the car itself wont actually be propelled by electric motoring, all its going to eliminate is the gas wasted during idle
lol, maybe it works the other way, it only comes on when you are crusing on freeway? :)

It appears that Mercedes is trying to piggyback or capture some of the market by putting "hybrid" on paper to sell and appeal to the public so that Mercedes can say they are thinking greener as well. I'm not sure why Mercedes is trying to follow the leader but they are following the leader none the less...
What you guys said.

An engine start/stop is NOT a hybrid feature. A regular car can have the start/stop feature (like the mid 90s VW Polo or the new Vitz 1.0 litre). If anything, 8.2hp is less than the Insight's motor.

8.2 hp from the electric motor! Maybe this was meant to be put into the Smart hybrid that will be coming out in 2015, but they want to test it out on the S class first? After reading about the electronic nightmares MB owners deal with, unoccupied power seats that move back and forth by themselves, automatic headlights that shut off at night, etc., the complex software that make the engine and electric motors work together should be a real challenge to MB engineers. So, Mercedes Hybrid = ten years late, about ten billion dollars short?

It appears that Mercedes is trying to piggyback or capture some of the market by putting "hybrid" on paper to sell and appeal to the public so that Mercedes can say they are thinking greener as well. I'm not sure why Mercedes is trying to follow the leader but they are following the leader none the less...
If Mercedes wants to be a leader in a new game they should fully develop and come out with a fuel cell hybrid vehicle that is state of the art, dependable, reliable, patent every technology they develop, keep costs down and be easy to operate by the user... That sounds like a tough game. I guess some games are easier to play than others...

Whatever happened to the diesel/electric hybrid? I personally like that better than the gas/electric hybrid.

But the engines won't actually start until 2009.

Sorry, left that one wide open :D

lmao :D :D :D :D :thumbup:

I like the idea of an S-class hybrid vs. LS-series hybrid matchup...there's room up there and the new S-class is growing on me...plus Benz playing catchup validates Lexus' decision to go with the LS hybrid, to some degree (sales are a big uncertainty here though)

The new S-class is nice, I haven't yet seen the New LS in person...and the LS 600h L looks phenomenal.

What will the S-class hybrid designation be?

What will the S-class hybrid designation be?
How about the S550h.

I like the idea of an S-class hybrid vs. LS-series hybrid matchup...there's room up there and the new S-class is growing on me...plus Benz playing catchup validates Lexus' decision to go with the LS hybrid, to some degree (sales are a big uncertainty here though)

The new S-class is nice, I haven't yet seen the New LS in person...and the LS 600h L looks phenomenal.

What will the S-class hybrid designation be?
there is no matchup. S class's hybrid is not an real hybrid anyway...

How about the S550h.
That'll infringe on Lexus' right to the letter lol like BMW and the "M"

Like spwolf said, it's no comparison. The LS600h L is expected to put out V12 power (~500hp) while the S-Class is based on a V6 with a mild hybrid drivetrain.

That'll infringe on Lexus' right to the letter lol like BMW and the "M"

Like spwolf said, it's no comparison. The LS600h L is expected to put out V12 power (~500hp) while the S-Class is based on a V6 with a mild hybrid drivetrain.
How about
"Hybrid S550"
"H S550"
"h S550"
"S550 Hybrid"

The last one seems like the most probable unless they decide on a name for their system.

for all we know, it could be S550e, e for efficiency haha.

The last one seems like the most probable unless they decide on a name for their system.

for all we know, it could be S550e, e for efficiency haha.
Good one. e for efficiency or the lack of. Can't wait to see how it stacks up against the LS 600h L...

Might not be a fair comparison haha.