Spy Shots: Mercedes S400 Hybrid spotted testing in Texas
by Sam Abuelsamid on Aug 3rd 2008 at 9:03AM 
Click the S400 hybrid prototype for a high-res gallery
An attentive Autoblog reader spotted what appears to be a prototype Mercedes S400 Hybrid in a Houston Texas parking lot the other day. The test car's badges were all taped over, but the S400 and hybrid badging on the trunk lid seems to match the show concept. The S400 was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall and will launch into production in mid-2009 at about the same time as the ML450 Hybrid. While the SUV will use the Two-Mode hybrid system developed with GM, Chrysler, and BMW, the S400 will use the mild hybrid system created with BMW. The mild hybrid uses a 15kW motor sandwiched between the transmission and 3.5L V6. The Mercedes mild hybrid system is likely to be the first mass production hybrid with a lithium ion battery. At the auto show introduction, Mercedes claimed that the full-size hybrid luxury sedan will achieve nearly 30 mpg.
Gallery: Mercedes S400 Bluetec hybrid concept
Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
[Source: Chris N]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil 12:31PM (8/03/2008)
Now that is a hybrid. I want one.
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Nick 2:09PM (8/03/2008)
Nearly 30 mpg....now am I supposed to say 'wow' to that? I expected 40+mpg.
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Sam Abuelsamid 2:04PM (8/03/2008)
For that you will have to wait for the Bluetec diesel hybrid.
dionysus 9:05PM (8/03/2008)
Nice to see MB is into hybrid, and a Lexus way. Diesel is not the cleanest or the most economical after all!
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