Mercedes-Benz decided to launch hybrid vehicles by 2010 and aside from the launch of the ML 450 Hybrid and the S400 hybrid, the German automaker will also introduce its S300 BLUETEC Hybrid during that time.

Mercedes-Benz said that the tremendous savings potential of the modular technology concept being applied by Mercedes-Benz is underlined by the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, due to arrive on the market in 2010, too. The configuration and performance data of this engine are identical to those in the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID. In the S-Class too, the BLUETEC/Hybrid combination develops a maximum torque of 560 Newton metres, comparable with that of a large-volume V8 petrol engine. When combined with the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Even with this superior performance, fuel consumption stands at just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a mere 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre _ 57 grams, or some 30 per cent, less than the current best saloon in the S-Class segment anywhere in the world.

The S-Class uses the version of BLUETEC with AdBlue injection system. Thanks to the combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology - the only combination of this nature in the world, delivering the most economical and environmentally compatible premium cars in the world - the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards applicable anywhere in the world – for example, the European EU6 standard or the US 50-state BIN5 standard.

Source: Mercede-Benz Press Release via www.autoblog.com

Mercedes-Benz reports that the compact hybrid module installed in all the S-Class hybrids comprises a disk-shaped electric engine, which also functions as a starter motor and dynamo. This system offers a double benefit, working on the one hand in various ways to save fuel, and making driving so much more fun.

The main reason for the increased driving enjoyment is what is known as the boost effect, whereby the electric engine supports the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase with a maximum extra torque of 160 Newton metres. With this high torque the electric engine assists the combustion engine heartily when accelerating from very low engine speeds. As a result, the combustion engine itself needs less time and energy to build up its maximum torque. The only thing the driver notices from this synergy of the two power units is a supremely effortless power output whenever he starts off.

The hybrid module also features a comfortable start-stop function which switches the engine off whenever the vehicle stops, for example at traffic lights. Once the vehicle is ready to move off again, the electric engine starts the main engine again so gently, that it remains virtually unnoticed. This of course also contributes to fuel savings and is kind to the environment: since the engine starts virtually immediately, virtually no unburned fuel is discharged when starting off. When decelerating, on the other hand, the electric engine functions as a generator, and can recover braking energy in what is known as the recuperation process. This energy is stored in a powerful but compact lithium-ion battery pack in the engine compartment, ready for use when required. The engine management of this complex system is governed by a powerful control unit, which is also installed close to the engine.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release via www.autoblog.com

Two automaker giants, Mercedes Benz and BMW decided on a product collaboration to develop a less complex mild hybrid which they could both put into their vehicles. By 2010, the two giant automakers should have come up with the very first model under that program as they have promised. They will be merging the 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel V6 to the new hybrid setup. It will have a fuel economy of 43.6 miles per gallon in U.S.

A press release from Mercedes-Benz via Autoblog states that the Mercedes S-Class that has the petrol hybrid will be introduced during the same time that the Mercedes ML450 Hybrid will be introduced. The S 400 Hybrid will also be available in Europe in mid-2009. it sports a 205 kW/279 hp V6 petrol engine that is combined with a hybrid module which could deliver from the outset 160 Nm and 15 kW/ 20 hp. The maximum power output when these two are combined is 220 kW/299 hp and their torque is to 375 Newton meters.

The S 400 Hybrid can achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and its electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h. nut even though its sports such great performance, its combustion engine needs 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers in the NEFZ cycle. This combustion cycle results in  carbon dioxide emissions of just 190 grams per kilometer. The S 400 Hybrid will then soon be considered the most fuel efficient luxury petrol engine saloon in the world. The F 700, the S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid, and the S 400 BLUETEC Hybrid are the only ones that can considerably improve on the world record that has been set by the S 400 Hybrid in the case of low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.