Mercedes 35MPG Bluetec Diesel S-Class Coming 2007 Frankfurt AutoShow

"All hail Hybrid Synergy Drive"

lol.

But I know where the Yaris will beat the S, in the 0-60 Test and 1/4 mile, it'll be a nice competition.

35 MPG on this Bluetec diesel S-Class is pretty impressive for a car that size. But one huge problem it only has 204hp? I don't want to pay up to $100k for only 204hp.

I would rather get the Lexus LS instead, more horse power and better interior as well.

I don't know about better interior but it does lack a bit power I must admit. The interior is just "different'. Japanese interiors and European interiors simple as that. Styling is all subjective anyways. But reading the numbers for the bluetec e-class 0-60 was very impressive. I don't doubt this will be a huge difference even though the S-class is heavier. Mercedes bluetech is much better than previous generation diesels made by Mercedes and has come a long ways.

Sometimes it's not about the power but more towards functionality with a purpose. The purpose of the bluetech is to get great mileage but with enough power for the consumer needs. If the s-class buyer wanted power they would be going for an S63.

I personally would not buy this bluetec. If I wanted power I get a sports car. If I wanted a luxury car for its luxury then I would buy the S-class. Power in any of these full size barges really does not matter. It's great to have available power but you will never use it. I do believe 204 is short but it is more than enough to over take people on highways and streets. If the e-class bluetech numbers 0-60 are correct then the s-class would only be 1-2seconds slower still quite impressive.

I have a feeling this powertrain will be adequate, maybe two seconds slower than the S550 (i.e. 0-60 in 7.5 seconds).

"Lexus," I don't think you realize this, but LS600hL buyers and S-Class hybrid buyers will be very different. The LSh is Lexus's flagship, and is very expensive and exclusive for that reason. The S600 is its main competitor from Merc, not the S-Class hybrid.

On the other hand, the S hybrid buyer cares more about having great fuel economy without sacrificing luxury. Where the LSh buyer wants a fast sedan with hybrid "bragging rights," the S owner would rather get a vehicle that really does get impressive mileage. I'm not trying to put down the LS -it's a very impressive machine- but it's also a very different car. If the S-Class buyer wanted a car that was fast, they would've gone for the S550. I guess, in reality, the S550 is closest to the LS600hL in terms of power/mpg/price.

BTW, I don't think the S-Class Bluetec hybrid will be as much money as the S550. My prediction: $75K.

Another fine automobile from the Germans that invented the hamburger.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO 4-cylinder ENGINES FOR THE S-CLASS!!!!!!!
my family was planning on getting a Merc hybrid when it comes out (I know, we think really far ahead), but this is ridiculous. 204 hp for one of the best luxury sedans in existence??? This disgraces the image of Benz

I don't know, because it has about 300lb. ft. of torque, right? Torque is really what propels a car.

I've also heard rumors that there will be a more powerful hybrid S-Class, but whether it comes here remains to be seen.

I don't love this idea, either (at least the hybrid part of it), but as with Lexus, I can see why they're doing it.

Well, in all honesty, the LS600hL is not for a person who cares about mileage. Its ratings are not impressive! The S-Class Bluetec hybrid buyer is more committed to the idea of better mileage... either that or they just want to look good.