German Car Zone

The 2010 model year is likely to be a bit of a letdown across the industry as companies back off product plans to weather the weak economy. But Mercedes-Benz has some plans for the model year, including its all-new lithium-ion powered S400 hybrid.

The S-Class hybrid will be the single largest mechanical update for the new model year, bringing what is billed as the first widely-marketed lithium-ion battery in a hybrid. The new hybrid will come with the rest of the S-Class in August of this year.

The standard S-Class sedans will also get a few updates, including new standard wheels, new driver assistance systems including Attention Assist, Nightview Assist PLUS and Lane Keeping Assist.

Other key changes include a renaming of the firm's diesel offerings from GL320, ML320 and R320 to GL350, ML350 and R350. The numbers typically indicate displacement, but in this case the name change doesn't appear to come with an engine upgrade - the same V6 turbodiesel lies under their hoods. GL-Class cars also get a facelift, POST-SAFE post-accident safety system, new options and two new paint colors: palladium silver and steel grey.

M-Class cars get a hybrid addition in December in the form of the ML450 Hybrid, while the rest get standard burl walnut trim, tire pressure monitoring and upgraded steering wheels, along with the same new color options as the GL-Class.

The vast majority of the rest of Mercedes' lineup goes on sale as 2010 models starting in August, with the GLK-Class already on sale, the E-Class jumping the gun in June, the CLS-Class starting in September, and the SL-Class, SLK-Class and G-Class waiting until October.


Source: Mercedes announces run-down of changes for U.S. 2010 model year - [Mercedes Benz 2010 Model Year Lineup] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

WHY???
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The new S-class looks ridiculous. In a good way, especially the AMG variants.