First Mercedes-Benz hybrid to debut in 2009

Another week, another Euro hybrid announced. Is Benz going to dismiss this as just hybrid hype like BMW did, or are they serious. However they want to spin it is fine with me, as long as they keep pumping them out. More choices, more competition, lower prices, better technology. This is thanks to the hundreds of thousands of early adopters who continue to purchase hybrids month after month despite all the haters, all the daily ridicule, all the dismissive attitudes. We (I can say we now---2007 Magnetic Gray Prius) are forcing everyone to come up with the goods in the next generation.

Time to wake up. Too late better than never, although Toyota/Lexus is light year ahead on hybrids.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say the tables have turned for Mercedes. Ten years ago, Lexus designed their cars after Mercedes. Now, Mercedes designs their cars after Lexus (GX and GL, GS and new E-Class, Luxury hybrids)

I fail to see how this is copying? They're merely offering a hybrid for competition purposes.

Lexus still tries to emulate Mercedes, especially with the LS. Tough luck for them that the S class seems to have newfound personality that involves more sport, yet is still able to offer superior comfort.

First it was Porsche, VW, BMW and now MB is copying Toyota/Lexus making hybrid car or luxury hybrids. LOL :) ................who copying who now?

The Germans invented the hybrid.

Hahah Lexus you idiot, you got stoned with that comment by EL34, good job.

Lexus,
By the way you shouldn't be talking about who's copying who. If the S-Class was the first to be fitted with ABS, 3 point seat belts, and SAT NAV, does that mean Lexus copied? You ask yourself.

I didn't know that MB was the first to offer SAT NAV in a production vehicle, I thought the 1998 Lexus LS400 was one of the first and that MB waited another two years for the 2000 S500. MB still does not have touch screens, reversing cameras, or a decent bluetooth product.

Mercbasher

The bmw 740il 1997 has SAT NAV

Lexus rocks and end of story.

Every sentence you type blows. Sorry, that's just my opinion.

Every sentence you type blows. Sorry, that's just my opinion.

JackArsch adds such class and intelligent observations to the discussion I'm sure we all wait with baited breath for his contributions to the discourse.

And keep on de-boosting me, because anyone who actually cares about that is not worth my time and attention.

Well if you look at the prices, Lexus is more affordable than the German brands.

OMG...When will people get it that it was the germans that it invented it. Its also oly for competition purposes. Hybrids won't survive for long.Everyone is finding alternative fuels and when they r successful goodbye hybrid

Didnt BMW also invent air, and I think MBZ invented water. And Audi, well they just invented the wheel. German fans cannot stand that Toy/Lex invented the (modern) hybrid. And now the Germans realize what this amazing technology will do for added performance, mileage and emissions, all 3 of which are necessary in today's and tomorrow's world of automobiles.

From the rummer mill, I hear Mercedes is working on a way to fit a motor with their 7G-tronic so the hybrid technology can be easily fitted with all models using the 7 speed tranny instead of making a special CVT unit like the competition.

It really doesn't matter who invented it.

Fact is, Porsche, BMW, and now Mercedes are only begining to offer hybrid technology because Lexus has had success with it. It might not be copying a mechanical design, but it sure as hell is copying a successful business strategy.

very true anwser, its all about the money/success

I agree with you on some points but I wouldn't say it's a business strategy. It's more like an alternative type of vehicle. Toyota i believe came out with the Prius first with a Hybrid for the mass consumers. It is now carried onto it's Lexus models for gas conscious drivers who don't want to pay a hefty price for petrol as well as keeping the emissions low. I think it's so they can save money.

It's like how Mercedes came out with the first production car for the mass fitted with a diesel engine.

Hybrid is to Japan like how Diesel is to Europe. The new S-Class I think is going to be sold in the US and Japan as diesel is power plant of choice in Europe. I also heard that the Hybrid will be a mild hybrid so it won't be a true full hybrid like the Toyota ones. It will use BlueTec Diesel components as well.

Also it's not like Toyota never had a diesel engine anyways. Hell, the IS220D was the first Lexus diesel I believe (correct me if i'm wrong). Does that mean Lexus was copying Mercedes(and also other European auto makers?) for to compete with the European market?. Hmmmmm

-Agent63

Agent63, well said.

just to say how popular diesel is: in the last year of its life the X5 was 95% sold as a 3.0 diesel. And for cars like the s class, I'm sure its 50%+.

Mercedes has begun selling the E320 CDI in Japan due to buyer demand. You read that right. Japanese buyers have shown an interest in diesel-powered luxury cars and from what I gather (Autozeitung and AMS), the E320 CDI has sold quite well in this market. Amazing, especially since the Japanese are known to have a diesel stigma.

The first real automobile was invented by Mercedes, the first engine, first seatbealt, first ABS, first traction control, the list is so huge for Mercedes..Infact, every single car company has copied something from Mercedes..So, anyone who say's Mercedes copied anything from Lexus needs to STFU...Without Mercedes, and its innovations, the Lexus brand would never have existed...And plus, hybrid is hardly an innovation from Lexus...

I'm so excited! Mercedes and BMW introducing hybrids means that they will finally be regarded as innovative technology! Because everyone knows that only Mercedes and BMW are allowed to call technology "innovative."

Blah...

yay Hybrids that are Fast AND handle well!...comphy too!!... sounds great .. cant wait

I want a Hybrid AMG