2010 Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID revealed: 28 mpg S-Class due in Sept.09

Mercedes-Benz today revealed its first passenger car with a hybrid drive system set to hit the market in the summer of 2009. The Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID is a combination of a V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module that gives it a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Based on the S350, power comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 279-hp with an additional 20-hp from the electric motor for a total of 299-hp. It is mated to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

The S400 BlueHYBRID is also the first series-production Mercedes-Benz model to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery. Mercedes-Benz has fitted the S 400 BlueHYBRID with start/stop technology which saves fuel by switching the engine off when the car is at a standstill. When the car is stopped the electric motor acts as a generator providing charge to the lithium-ion battery.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID will be launched in the European market in June 2009 followed by China in August 2009 and the US in September 2009. Prices will be announced closer to launch.