German Car Zone

Mercedes-Benz, caught like other automakers in a regulatory squeeze to post higher fuel efficiency, may make the next generation of its flagship S-Class sedans all hybrids, a company official said Monday.

It would be the first time an entire conventional model line has been converted to an alternative powertrain. So far, gas-electric hybrid powertrains have come as options or in a handful of one-off models, such as Toyota's Prius, aimed at eco-conscious shoppers.

The conversion could make sense for a line such as the S-Class. The German automaker just started offering a hybrid in the line and, unlike most hybrids, the model is not at the top price-wise. At $87,950, the S400 Hybrid is $3,650 less than the non-hybrid V-8 S550. Next week, Mercedes will unveil a prototype plug-in hybrid version of the large sedan at the Frankfurt (Germany) Motor Show.

The Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid, as it will be called, would allow owners up to 18 miles of electric-only driving before the gas engine kicks in. The car's lithium-ion battery pack could be recharged in as little as two hours. And Mercedes says the system it is developing now will fit in all of its future large and midsize cars and SUVs.

"The modular configuration is so versatile that we're seriously exploring the possibility of equipping the next generation S-Class models entirely with hybrid drivelines," said spokesman Dan Barile. The next generation of the S-Class is due in 2014.

The exact form it could take — such as variations of today's gas-electric hybrid, diesel-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids — has not been determined.

While hybrid systems are costly, the higher prices of Mercedes vehicles could help it absorb the cost to outfit a line. There's another advantage, too: "Let the rich people pay for the (research and development) and get the price down for the rest of us," said Paul Scott, co-founder of Plug In America.

The race to offer plug-ins is heating up. General Motors' Chevy Volt extended-range plug-in and Nissan's all-electric Leaf are slated to make their debuts as early as next year.

Even if gas prices don't climb back into the stratosphere, automakers are under pressure to increase fuel economy. The Obama administration announced in May that it's setting a national fuel-economy standard of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, up from today's standard of about 25 mpg. While most automakers endorsed that, it's leading to an industry scramble to find alternative technologies.

Entire Mercedes S-Class Could be Hybrids - ABC News

Seems like a good idea, but if this holds true the next S-Class may risk reliability problems.

WoW. That means diesel and gas hybrids, the move would be unprecendented. Toyota has surely seen this and will work towards the same goal for the next Lexus LS. If Mercedes does this I hope that means we still get V6, V8 and V12 engines all coupled with a hybrid system. Can you imagine? S600 Hybrid with like 650hp and 30 MPG? At the other end would be a S300 Bluehybrid, a diesel capable of 100 MPG.


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The current S Class came out in 2005, so the next one will go out in the end of 2012, not in 2014. Maybe they refer at the year model.

MY 07 in the US

That would be a major feat!

Would be interesting and it would be a industry first.

On the other hand still rather the regular models. I do have a bad feeling about the future of their V12's especially my beloved S65 AMG. Then again Mercedes-Benz must do what needs to be done to survive.

And a S600 with 650HP (v12) with 30 mpg would equal the best sedan on EARTH!

I just hope the W222 will be outstanding as the current model in terms of quality, reliability and looks. It will be interesting how the next S-class will be. Some many things could go right or wrong. As long as I don't see an E-class on steriods then everything should be ok. Plus it will be nice to see where MB takes it technology wise and saftey.

I am not sure what the S65's future is--at least its cylinder count. It's quite possible for the power and torque ratings to be preserved with a compact latest-tech twin turbo V8, from what I hear. It would not be such a dissapointment for me. Esp. if it is accommpalied by a 7 pr 8sp transmission and awd.

As long as each S-Class's performance gets better I see no problem in making the whole lineup hybrids.

I definitely don't think M-B will go the E-Class way with the next S-Class. I'm hoping they won't as well either.

Very interesting about the all Hybrid things, will be very controversial, but M-B needs to let their S-Classes launch with a bang, so what better way.

Hybrids are the way of the future and a of course eco friendly, so I'm on board. Actually, I wish the S400 was available in '07, as I'd be potentially interested in a Used version right now probably if so. I wonder how good it is though all in all.

^^ An MB official from the design dept has said the future Mercedes will be more bio, softer than the current ones. See the F700... So it is a given that the next S-Class will have a less angular design than the E-Class.

Hybrids, the way to the future? Not really. Marketing gimmick mostly... It's just not logical to carry two drivetrains. But it gives a green images, sells well in the US, so... cars like the S400 hybrid (with a tiny, light electric motor just to be badged as hybrids) are 100% marketing. Now the system is ready, they'll put it in every car.

Put the money involved in developping the hybrid system into improving the petrol engine, add start-stop ad braking recovery system to a conventional but modern car and I don't think the perf and consumption figures will be far from an hybrid...