Mercedes: UK will get hybrids ... eventually
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery
The first-ever hybrid Mercedes-Benz is scheduled to go on sale here in the United States in August. The upcoming S400 will feature a mild hybrid drivetrain with a 20-horsepower, disk-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the 305-horsepower 3.5L V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission. Sending electrons to the electric side of the drivetrain will be the world's first mass-produced lithium ion battery pack for automotive use.
That's great, but it will only be available in left-hand drive, meaning that it won't be available in the United Kingdom. Speaking to Channel 4, Dr Thomas Weber, an executive in charge of research and development at Mercedes-Benz, said:
We do see hybrids as part of our future, so we do want to bring them to the UK eventually - and because 80% of sales in the UK are for diesel we are also looking to produce diesel hybrids too.Eventually is an awfully vague word, no? When asked for clarification, Weber responded, "It's difficult to say when, but it'll be within five years I would think." So, there you have it.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
[Source: Channel 4]
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