EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants

Chris Paukert — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an Autoblog source close to the project, Mercedes-Benz will go all-hybrid with its next-generation S-Class lineup in America - with the exception of enthusiast-oriented AMG models. The plutocrat cruiser is expected to roll up in 2012, and it is understood that gas-only S-Class models will be the exclusive preserve of the company's performance arm - the German automaker is not talking about offering both regular and hybrid variants of the same model, at least in the States.

Presently, Daimler only offers a single gasoline-electric variant of its W221 S-Class - the S400 hybrid (the range's price leader at $87,950), and it incorporates a 3.5-liter V6 with a mild hybrid assist system for 295 horsepower and 26 miles-per-gallon on the freeway. Other models in current S-Class lineup all have more cylinders and power, including the 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 of the S550 and the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 of the S600. It is not immediately clear if company engineers plan to downsize the internal-combustion side of the next S' powertrain equation as a result of the all gas-electric strategy. While we expect Mercedes will offer a range of CDI diesel models in European market, no such model is apparently planned for the States at this time.

While the Daimler board has yet to sign-off on this plan, it appears to be all but certain. Interestingly, our contact indicates that S400 sales are going swimmingly in the States - particularly among Hollywood's green-minded glitterati, a contingent that our source maintains is abandoning their Priuses at a furious rate now that the model has become "something of a pariah" due to Toyota's recent troubles.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reveals Ocean Drive concept for Detroit

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 06:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

Click to enlarge

Look past the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept's LED head and taillamps and fancy flush doorhandles and you're looking at what a likely S-Class production convertible will look like. Names for the famous strip of road on South beach, the Ocean Drive would fit right in with the beautiful people and the high-end cars known to prowl the area.

Based on the V12-powered, long-wheelbase S 600 sedan, the Ocean Drive concept gets an oversized grille (we like) and retains its source car's four-door style. the side glass is frameless, and there are no pillars to interrupt the lines when the car is open to the sky. A traditional, large soft-top protects occupants in sub-optimal weather conditions, and the car features Mercedes' neck-warming technology called AIRSCARF. Nifty indeed. Build it.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz reveals Ocean Drive concept for Detroit

Mercedes-Benz reveals Ocean Drive concept for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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