Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz big bomber, the S-Class, is due for a mid-cycle refresh next year and we'll probably see its official form no later than the Geneva Motor Show in March. Judging from this latest batch of spy shots, we may actually see it much sooner, possibly as early as the Paris Motor Show in October. The fundamentals of the S-Class clearly aren't changing, but low investment parts like the grille, lower front fascia, mirrors and tail-lights get updates. The interior doesn't appear to have changed much either, but based on the driver's attempt to block the view, the S-Class may be getting a new COMAND system interface, which would be a welcome change. It's not known if Mercedes will offer a new BlueTec diesel engine in the S-Class here in the States, although that is a foregone conclusion for Europe. One new model we'll definitely see here is the S400 hybrid, which pairs the 3.5L V6 with a new mild hybrid system developed by Mercedes and BMW. The mild hybrid should also be the first mass produced automotive application of lithium-ion batteries.

[Source: EMercedesBenz.com]

click above image to view high-res gallery of the Mercedes S300 Hybrid Concept

During the huge debut Mercedes held for the F700 Concept and C-Class Estate, it also showed off the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz S300. This is the first product of a collaboration between Mercedes and BMW to develop a less complex mild hybrid that could be adapted to most of their vehicles. Promised for 2010, this will be the first model introduced under that program. It mates the 3.0L Bluetec diesel V-6 to that new hybrid set-up and gets a combined 43.6 mpg (in US gallons) on the economy cycle.

Sounds pretty efficient to us. Mercedes also had some info on the 2009 S400 Hybrid, which uses a petrol engine instead of the diesel used in the S300, and will be the first gas-engined German hybrid on the market when it goes on sale in '09. While the car itself looks exactly like the S300 above, we added a shot of the placard to our gallery so you can see the specs.

If this sounds like a good thing to you, and frankly, why wouldn't it, click over to AB Green to read more about the car and the technology behind it. And don't forget to check out the gallery of live shots as well.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via AutoblogGreen]