Spy photographers have spotted what appears to be the first prototype for a Mercedes-Benz CL-Class hybrid testing in Europe. On the outside, the car looks very much like a regular CL, except for the unusual components protruding from the hood on this test car.
According to our sources, BMW hybrid prototypes have similar instrumentation coming out of the hood, albeit cloaked by fake “powerdomes.”
Not much is known at this time of the CL hybrid, but the big Benz coupe will probably be powered by the same unit as the hybrid S400 sedan.
If making small, efficient cars more efficient saves a little bit of gas and the associated pollution, then surely making big cars more efficient is even more effective. This logic seems to be resulting in more big hybrids out there. Lexus has the first luxury V8 hybrid with its LS 460h and also offers hybrid versions of its RX SUV and GS sports sedan.
A recent report provided a timeframe for the arrival of a hybrid 7-series from BMW, and many other automakers are also gaining interest in the segment. From the high-performance Fisker Karma to the hulking Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, it’s clear gas-electric powertrains aren’t limited to economy cars.
02/25, 4:48 PM
posted by:
Heart64
Nice its about time Mercedes did a Hybrid
02/25, 5:05 PM
posted by:
Heart64
LP get a life
02/25, 5:34 PM
posted by:
DrFill
As those guys, laughing at the golf course, jump into there LS600h and speed off leaving you behind.
I can see that.
And not just at the golf course.
DrFill
02/25, 6:19 PM
posted by:
zoe
I can see LP’s point…sometimes it seems that being ‘green’ is just a trend.
However, even though it might not make sense now it is a much needed step in the right direction. There needs to be a smooth transition, so that the people who buy those big cars don’t feel like they are missing out.
z
02/25, 6:20 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…and after the game the old f*ck who drives one of these can lie just as much about the mileage he’s getting as he does about his golf score.
02/25, 6:52 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
It’s a shame it’s such a plain looking car. I’ve heard it’s very smooth though, haven’t sat in one before.
02/25, 6:57 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Hybrid is a stupid idea, but the CL would be one of my top 10 if I could afford to buy any car I wanted
02/25, 7:21 PM
posted by:
F451
Hey, Mercedes copied the new Corvette ZR1 with the polycarbonate hood window!
02/25, 10:42 PM
posted by:
autonut
I like hybrids from the point of view of efficiency and engineering.IN hybrid the energy otherwise lost on heat is regenerated into electricity. Even mild hybrid like Mini in Europe engine is shut and restarted when clutch applied. I don’t see anything wrong with improvement in efficiency. Efficiency is the goal of engineering (and economy). It is big deal for Europe where gas cost $8.50/gallon. If any of you guys work for a living, you would notice that 4 years ago gas was about $1.50 across US, now it is $3.50 ($4.0 in CA). Did anyone doubled their salaries in 4 years? And guess what – inflation is pushed by the cost of fuel. As far as complexities of cars: can anyone compare cars of today and 10,20,30 years ago?
02/26, 3:46 AM
posted by:
MY Si
a Hybrid CL? Now thats kinda weird. why not hybrid the mainstream sedan like the regular C-Class? The CL is a sexy beast thats powerful and needs to stay that way. There will be a market for this thing i know so they will sell but still it had better get WAY better gas mileage than the regular CL
03/01, 1:09 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Will Benz beat BMW to the world’s first luxury hybrid?