Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid – hybrid cars

For most motorists who sing the song ‘lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz’, fuel efficiency and green credentials probably aren’t top of their agenda. Mercedes-Benz has always been associated with luxury, prestige vehicles – but now its drivers can have the best of both worlds. For the Mercedes-Benz Blue Hybrid marks a major breakthrough for both the manufacturer and for green cars generally.

Quick links:

• History of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid
• Environmental credentials of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid statistics
• Future of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid

History of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid

Over a period of several months from late 2007 to early 2008, Mercedes-Benz showcased a number of different models using its mild hybrid system. In February 2008 however, it officially announced the first of those vehicles to go into production – the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid.

The S400 uses a 3.5l V-6 petrol engine combined with a 15KwH electric motor. Unless it is beaten to the punch before the model is officially released, the Blue Hybrid will be the first vehicle in the world to use a lithium-ion battery.

The batteries have compact dimensions and far superior performance when compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries that are used in most current hybrid cars. Consequently, they boast a far superior lifespan and much greater reliability even in low temperatures.

Environmental credentials of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid

The new batteries are ideally suited to hybrid vehicles as they assist with fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. It is also expected that they can be used in electric cars and fuel cell cars in the future.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid has been described as the world’s most economical luxury saloon car. According to the New European Driving Cycle, it consumes just 7.9litres of petrol over 100km. For its class, this means it has extremely low CO2 emission levels – believed to be around 190g/km. In this regard it is unrivalled in its sector ahead of its release.

One of the major advantages of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid is that it will tap into a rare market for green cars consisting of those who want luxury vehicles and don’t want to sacrifice performance. This is because it has a maximum output of 220kW/299hp and impressive torque at 375Nm. As a result it may attract a wave of new buyers to the green car market.

It is expected that there will be even more potential when Mercedes-Benz launches a diesel-hybrid following the original release of the S400 Blue Hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid:

• 0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
• CO2 emissions: 190g/km
• Engine: 3.5L V-6 combined with the two-mode hybrid system
• MPG Combined: 29.8mpg
• Top speed: 155mph
• Torque: 375Nm

Future of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid is expected to be released in Europe midway through 2009 although no official UK release date has been announced. It is expected that diesel versions of the model will follow – stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for the latest release news.