2007 FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW: Mercedes Raises The Hybrid Ante To Lexus

The S 400 HYBRID, will be available from mid-2009 in Europe, the 205 kW/279 hp V6 petrol engine is combined with a hybrid module delivering from the outset 160 Nm and 15 kW/ 20 hp. The combined maximum power output is 220 kW/299 hp, the combined maximum torque amounts to 375 Newton metres.

The S 400 HYBRID can accelerate in 7.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Yet even with such excellent performance, this superb combustion engine requires a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEFZ cycle. This results in CO2 emissions of just 190 grams per kilometre, making the S 400 HYBRID the most fuel-efficient luxury petrol engine saloon in the world, independently of whether competitors pit a petrol- diesel- or hybrid drive against it. Only the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, the S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID and the F 700, also presented at the IAA by Mercedes-Benz, can improve significantly on the world record set by the S 400 HYBRID in terms of low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Enjoyable and economical driving from one efficient unit

The compact hybrid module installed in all the S-Class hybrids comprises a disk-shaped electric engine, which also functions as a starter motor and dynamo. This system offers a double benefit, working on the one hand in various ways to save fuel, and making driving so much more fun.

The main reason for the increased driving enjoyment is what is known as the boost effect, whereby the electric engine supports the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase with a maximum extra torque of 160 Newton metres. With this high torque the electric engine assists the combustion engine heartily when accelerating from very low engine speeds. As a result, the combustion engine itself needs less time and energy to build up its maximum torque. The only thing the driver notices from this synergy of the two power units is a supremely effortless power output whenever he starts off.

The hybrid module also features a comfortable start-stop function which switches the engine off whenever the vehicle stops, for example at traffic lights. Once the vehicle is ready to move off again, the electric engine starts the main engine again so gently, that it remains virtually unnoticed. This of course also contributes to fuel savings and is kind to the environment: since the engine starts virtually immediately, virtually no unburned fuel is discharged when starting off. When decelerating, on the other hand, the electric engine functions as a generator, and can recover braking energy in what is known as the recuperation process. This energy is stored in a powerful but compact lithium-ion battery pack in the engine compartment, ready for use when required. The engine management of this complex system is governed by a powerful control unit, which is also installed close to the engine.

2010: S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID with 560 Nm and just 5.4 l/100 km

The tremendous savings potential of the modular technology concept being applied by Mercedes-Benz is underlined by the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, due to arrive on the market in 2010, too. The configuration and performance data of this engine are identical to those in the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID. In the S-Class too, the BLUETEC/Hybrid combination develops a maximum torque of 560 Newton metres, comparable with that of a large-volume V8 petrol engine. When combined with the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Even with this superior performance, fuel consumption stands at just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a mere 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre _ 57 grams, or some 30 per cent, less than the current best saloon in the S-Class segment anywhere in the world.

The S-Class uses the version of BLUETEC with AdBlue injection system. Thanks to the combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology - the only combination of this nature in the world, delivering the most economical and environmentally compatible premium cars in the world - the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards applicable anywhere in the world – for example, the European EU6 standard or the US 50-state BIN5 standard.

budfrogS4 - 9/12/2007 1:44:07 PM

+11 Boost

Woohoo! 44mpg from the S300 Bluetec hybrid with decent performance in such a huge car.

Where are the specs for the S400 Bluetec hybrid?

w209w114 - 9/12/2007 1:44:50 PM

+5 Boost

Mercedes to Lexus:

IN YOUR FACE!!! Suck on my Lithium Ions!

w209w114 - 9/12/2007 2:46:47 PM

0 Boost

Buddy, I bet I as well as most on this forum have a lot more going for us than you do Rice Boy.

Sedulous - 9/12/2007 8:56:21 PM

+8 Boost

Umm.. Houstoncutie, you do realize that Lexus is now just using the word "hybrid" to sell more cars. A V12 hybrid is pointless and would have very little difference to a V8 or V10 engine. Lexus is now just finding new ways of using the "green" image of a hybrid to entice people to buy their more expensive cars.

Kinger - 9/13/2007 10:38:03 AM

+6 Boost

"Suck on my Lithium Ions!"

lol

enthusiastx11 - 9/13/2007 2:01:00 PM

+2 Boost

houston:

notice that nobody else is making a hybrid V8? kinda pointless. trying to be all things to all people. in the end, it's not good enough for the performance people or the MPG people. better luck next time lexus.

david999 - 9/12/2007 1:55:06 PM

-3 Boost

I guess there is a market for hybrids in Europe, although the Lexus versions
will probably dominate this segment because of their stellar reliability reputation.

Agent009 - 9/12/2007 2:01:14 PM

+3 Boost

Not quite so sure of that. Typically the euros rank higher in crash worthiness than their overseas competition. They also don't see the reliability as an issue.

ICON - 9/12/2007 2:25:20 PM

+1 Boost

There is that word again..Reliability,reliability,etc
Continues to be your claim to fame and your only line of defense...It has become a non-issue in this competitive environment , get it?

Props to Merc for upping the ante, we all win for their efforts.

kpaxx - 9/12/2007 2:30:28 PM

+1 Boost

lexus reliability has not been proven with any verifiable data. Owner surveys never reflect true vehicle problems.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 8:51:43 PM

+4 Boost

when lexus makes hybrids that get good mileage they'll have a shot!

ICON - 9/12/2007 10:21:27 PM

+1 Boost

????"So don't bring no unreliable crap to america"????

More unintelligible thug wannabe language(double negatives-this might qualify as a triple negative) from ricemaster.

I bet your mother is sooo proud...

Kinger - 9/13/2007 5:57:29 AM

+3 Boost

Reliability? With the drives Mercedes have been making to improve their quality I don't think that will be a factor. Here: http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=218083

BigShow50 - 9/12/2007 1:57:06 PM

0 Boost

It's funny to see the german fanboys, talk so much smack when it has not even be driven in the "Real World" keep in mind MB is known for poor software failures, along with common electrical problems. Let's see the recall begin on it's debut. And besides, Toyota/Lexus is all about timing. Let the rivals come out with all their power and knowledge about hybrid techs. and I guarantee Toyota Corp, will make them go back to the drawing board after the fact. This is just the begining...congrats to MB for taking your sweet time on a technology that has been here forever. Problem is MB is crossing their fingers that it won't fail reason for the delay debut. They have alot to prove as the road way is still a long way to go for them. So much for you fan boys and diesel tech....bunch of hypocrites!!!

Agent009 - 9/12/2007 2:02:24 PM

+3 Boost

"MB is known for poor software failures, along with common electrical problems."

Sounds like my LS before we kicked it to the curb.

Bill - 9/12/2007 2:05:47 PM

+3 Boost

***MB is known for poor software failures, along with common electrical problems....***

Really? So since 1886 the two brands that later merged in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz have been known for this?

Thanks for enlightening me! I wonder how they manage to sell so many cars and have so many happy owners if they had this...

Bill - 9/12/2007 8:16:41 PM

+4 Boost

Both of you are morons. I am surprised you two have not been banned yet. All you do is create flame wars and post stupid comments. It's almost as if the Agents enjoy watching this...

Kinger - 9/13/2007 10:44:10 AM

+4 Boost

It is somewhat funny watching these fools post such baised drivel though, if only they weren't so relentless!!

Czelinski - 9/12/2007 2:01:00 PM

+3 Boost

As i've said before, the NEW range of Mercedes starting with the latest generation S Class and CL model, infact even the later M Classes have had no serious problems, and have been returned to their former days of glory. You can only keep the king down for a few years, it will rise again to the throne where it belongs. And please don't so niave to think they will release this without serious testing and everything perfect.

Bill - 9/12/2007 2:01:44 PM

+4 Boost

+1

Agent009 - 9/12/2007 4:02:34 PM

+6 Boost

True a diesel Hybrid might be a nightmare to Honda. It just takes a company that can truly innovate, such as Mercedes to perfect it.

Then give it a few years later and the slightly different "Pacific Rim" flavor will be on the market deemed as "innovative and improved". This is the course of history as we know it.

Rupert - 9/12/2007 6:00:40 PM

+5 Boost

A diesel hybrid is a nightmare for Honda because they make cheap small cars.
The additional cost of a diesel hybrid can be more easily absorbed in an expensive M-B.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 8:53:12 PM

+2 Boost

yes, it's just a 'mild' hybrid. even so, it gets double the mileage of a lexus LS full-hybrid. that's pretty impressive!

Porschinator - 9/12/2007 2:55:35 PM

+1 Boost

MB still has ground to cover to catch up to Toyota's hybrids. GM, MB, and BMW converged their engineers to develope a very promising hybrid technology (not cheap!!). BMW dropped BlueTec most likely to not appear to be using MB tech in its own autos.

It is impressive that Toyota has developed and implemented hybrid tech early and on its own. The issue with Toyota's hybrid tech is that it is not as fuel efficient as it claims.

Agent009 - 9/12/2007 4:04:27 PM

+6 Boost

Not quite sure about that. Because Consumer Reports found the same thing out. And they are not know for dizzing anything Toyota.

david989 - 9/13/2007 7:19:51 AM

-3 Boost

If people knew how to drive properly they could get 80 mpg out of a Lexus LS600h. My dad regularly gets 77 mpg in his LS600h and he knows how to drive. My mom gets 145 mpg out of her Prius. I come from a driving family as you can see. We know about cars and how to drive them.

Airliner - 9/13/2007 1:43:04 PM

+1 Boost

'david989' your mom is funny.

Htay7500 - 9/12/2007 3:44:30 PM

+4 Boost

david 989 mite just pop up and say "this thing is shit, LS600h can beat its sour ass!!". who knows?...

no1listensanyway - 9/12/2007 3:51:46 PM

+1 Boost

Stlye, Class, Effieciency a true Mercedes... I think Lexus just saw a few people drop off from their lists for the LS600.

ICON - 9/12/2007 6:19:18 PM

+2 Boost

Houstonloopy, or Sybil (16 personalities-all bad)
No one leaves Lexus because it is their last car before they die. That is great retention!!

ICON - 9/12/2007 6:39:41 PM

+2 Boost

whatever..go do your homework

Kinger - 9/13/2007 6:05:37 AM

+2 Boost

Look, we get it, you love Lexus, great, good for you. Just don't expect us all to love Lexus too or be offended when we say a particular brand may be better than Lexus in a particular area. Seriously, Grow Up!!

LexusKindaGuy12 - 9/12/2007 4:01:12 PM

-2 Boost

errr...this is available in europe in 2009? by the time 2009 rolls around, im sure lexus will have modified something in their hybrid models.

and i would think people would trust toyota more because of their 10 years of hybrid experience versus the new mercedes technology.

as for power...i believe the LS owns either of the two MB models

85bmw745i - 9/12/2007 10:34:16 PM

0 Boost

Yeah that V12 will get less fuel mileage than the v8 hybrid, which couldn't outperform its v8 rivals, let alone the v12 competition. My guess is it will get slightly better that v12 fuel economy (in the city) and perform about on par ir slightly better in acceleration that their v8 competition. And Lexus is NOT The best car company in the world. That is strictly your Biased, narrow minded, uninformed, and uneducated opinion. There is no best because it all depends on what the customer wants in the car. Look how crappy Cadillacs were up until recently, yet they still sold, why? Because they were cheaper and the customer actually WANTED that livingroom couch seating and floaty boat like ride.

Kinger - 9/13/2007 6:07:29 AM

+2 Boost

V12 Hybrid, no that sounds like a bad idea, who would buy such a car, and where did you get info on this?

david989 - 9/13/2007 7:15:18 AM

-3 Boost

Stupid German fanboys. Always hating on the best: Lexus!

Lexus - 9/12/2007 6:56:43 PM

-2 Boost

Yeah, but thank to Toyota and Lexus that MB and other brands finally jumping on to the hybrid wagon.

enthusiastx11 - 9/12/2007 8:54:34 PM

+3 Boost

amazing how quickly mercedes has developed so many models at once (bluetec, hybrid, diesotto) to respond to consumer demand for high MPG.

good job!

Czelinski - 9/13/2007 6:47:37 AM

+3 Boost

"Yeah, but thank to Toyota and Lexus that MB and other brands finally jumping on to the hybrid wagon."

Give thanks to Mercedes, that your precious Lexus company even exists.

david989 - 9/13/2007 7:24:11 AM

-1 Boost

With Lexus Mercedes technology would still be in the stoneage. Lexus provided Mercedes with inspiration, something to copy from. Look what Mercedes copied from Lexus:

Presafe
Hybrids
Diesel hybrids
7 speed automatic

I could go on.

Kinger - 9/13/2007 10:49:29 AM

+2 Boost

Ha, i'm amazed at how you come up with this factless drivel fellow German car fan.

david989 - 9/13/2007 1:09:12 PM

-1 Boost

Screw Kraut cars.

Htay7500 - 9/13/2007 3:13:57 PM

+1 Boost

see what I mean?

autopro - 9/13/2007 3:36:21 PM

+1 Boost

They are so far behind toyota on this technology it will take years to catch up.

Lexus - 9/13/2007 5:08:03 PM

0 Boost

Everyone here need to remember that the Lexus LS600 hl is the first full size luxury car in this segment to have full hybrid power.

I know it suck being 2rd and copying someone else especially when they copy Lexus right? ;)

c36amg - 9/13/2007 10:39:58 PM

+1 Boost

lexus really benz is copying you... is hybrid concept a new one...???? lets see the price i have already given styling points to s400

enthusiastx11 - 9/15/2007 10:10:14 PM

+1 Boost

VW is going to use bluetec as well.
so you can get one of those.

XYZZ - 9/14/2007 3:00:04 AM

+1 Boost

...

Agent63 - 9/16/2007 6:24:01 PM

+1 Boost

Don't forget Honda came out with the Hybrid first. Toyota deserves credit but Honda should as well.

It's not a matter of who's copying who. With global warming the only way for all major car manufacturers to maintain business is to go into clean burning diesels or hybrids. Otherwise with new regulations later down the road cars won't be able to sell them cause their all 'illegal'.

Hybrid and Diesel is the future. Eventually the world's resources will run even shorter and that's when problems will occur. So it's a good step in direction for Mercedes to hop in the hybrid market.

Nevermind the copying part. Go read up on who created the first hybrid and you will find out. Wikipedia it. Anyways, it's for the survival of mankind generations from now.

With the clean burning diesels(bluetec) and hybrids in the world it will save us more time on earth :)