2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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What We Know

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. 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. The new S-Class is described as a "mild hybrid." It is expected to be powered by Mercedes' 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine 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.

What Edmunds.com says

It won't be a full hybrid like the Prius, but this gas-electric S-Class puts Mercedes-Benz a little bit closer to the promise of luxury and a clean tail pipe in the same car.