Mercedes-Benz will be rolling out its new hybrid drivetrain in the form of the S400 BlueHYBRID during the third quarter of next year, but Mercedes’ newest green alternative won’t stay exclusive to its flagship model for long. Following the S400 BlueHYBRID’s introduction, Mercedes plans to launch hybrid versions of its C and E-Class cars.
Although technically a mild hybrid system, Mercedes views its new hybrid drivetrain as a way to meet upcoming CAFE regulations. Therefore the German automaker will be rolling out its new hybrid system in its C and E-Class cars in the coming years.
The E-Class will be the next model to receive the hybrid option, with the system expected to launch on the next-generation car in late 2009 or early 2010.
Following the E-Class hybrid, Mercedes will offer a mild hybrid version of its C-Class sedan. However, those wanting a little extra fuel economy in Mercedes’ entry-level sedan will have to wait slightly longer: The hybrid C-Class won’t be available until the next-generation car bows, likely sometime in 2011 or 2012.
No word on what gas engines Mercedes will pair with the new hybrid models, but it seems likely the E-Class hybrid will use the same 3.5L V6 used in the S400 BlueHYBRID. In S400-guise, the 3.5L pumps out 279 horsepower, with an electric motor contributing another 20 hp. Thanks to a lower curb weight, look for the E-Class hybrid to trump the S-Class hybrid in both acceleration and fuel economy.
10/08, 2:14 PM
posted by:
golf4me
What little respect I still had for Mercedes is now gone…
10/08, 2:24 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
I like their hybrid solution much more than the Honda one. It is a little bit of a thing that helps you get moving from standstill where the most amount of gas is consumed for every inch of road, and it will also help keep the cruise speed at little easier and give some more economy. It’s not a full-time electric engine, it just aids a little at critical points. Now, how is that bad?
If money permitted, I would get a hybrid C in a heartbeat. I’d get a bluetec in half a heartbeat though.
10/08, 2:55 PM
posted by:
autonut
pavlindrom, you’ve described Honda’s approach to hybrid development. The difference between Honda and Benz is that Honda is helluva more economical.
10/08, 3:19 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Well, at work I looked under the hood of a Honda hybrid and it had an electric engine as big as the petrol one they put in for charging. Mercedes’ electric won’t even be seen unless you take the transmission out. Mercedes uses the engine full-time and the electric just aids a bit only. I am guessing it’s not doing 25% of the Honda electric engine, and increasing the economy by more than 25 percent (another guess).
The Honda shuts off the gasoline engine on highway, the Mercedes shuts it off only at a red light. That is what I wanted to say. And yes, I read this straight from Daimler website. I just forgot the exact percentages.
10/08, 3:23 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Sorry everyone, I love Mercs, and hate when people don’t see how much they have done actually. I drove at work all kinds of cars that you see everyday on the road (I missed a few chances on Lambo and Astons, but had AMG and BMW’s M vehicles) and by far Merc is superior in the ride. But then I guess that is an opinion.
10/08, 4:37 PM
posted by:
Turkle
pavlindrom, You are so wrong on your viewpoint of how the Honda Hybrid works. It does not shut the ICE off. Not one of the Honda vehicles that has run or is currenly running with a Hybrid shuts the vehicle’s engine off. What Honda Hybrid did you look at? I would love to knoe. We are talking about the Honda manufacturer that makes the Civic Hybrid, the manufacturer that has a big H on the front and back of their vehicles, right?
10/08, 5:01 PM
posted by:
Turkle
Oh, a couple other things that you bring up about the Merc that you find superior to the Honda that are not true. 1. That the Honda Electrical unit takes up a lot of space in the engine bay. Incorrect. The Honda electrical motor is similar to a flywheel and sits inside a space between the engine and the transmission, which is built into the flywheel tunnel. You cannot see this motor unless the engine has been pulled from the engine bay and removed from the transmission. 2. You state that the M-B will have start-stop technology… that is great, they are catching up to Honda who has had this on the Insigth and Civic since 2001. Honda’s IMA will also run on electric only mode up to 35mph, not at highway speeds as you suggested.
10/08, 7:21 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Well, then I don’t know. I was thinking of Prius actually, but I was at work and couldn’t think that well. My brain stops working when I sit on that chair, and resumes afterwards. I knew that Prius is the way all companies’ hybrid system worked, and as I only research German cars most of the time, I honestly didn’t know how a Honda works. I guess you are right. Do you mind if I call you a technician and use you as my source in the future?
10/09, 10:18 PM
posted by:
bigp
well i guess it works out