Mercedes Lithium Ion Hybrid in 2009
Published February 29, 2008
Mercedes-Benz will introduce the S400, a hybrid version of its S-Class luxury sedan, in the United States. But many of the details are still uncertain.
Mercedes-Benz will launch an S-Class hybrid equipped with a lithium-ion battery next year. Dr. Thomas Weber, who is responsible for research at Mercedes-Benz—and a long-time hybrid naysayer—said, “What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry.”
The use of lithium ion batteries—which can be smaller, lighter, store more energy, and deliver more power—is considered the holy grail of on-board energy storage for vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz plans to use the lithium ion batteries in the S 400 BlueHYBRID, which is powered by a 299 horsepower engine, that could offer fuel economy of 30 miles to the gallon. Daimler said this would make it "the world's most economical luxury sedan, unrivaled by any gasoline, diesel, or hybrid drive system offered by any competitor." Company statements did not specify if the S-Class hybrid would be introduced in Europe or the United States.
Mercedes is also promising a diesel version of the same hybrid vehicle by 2010.
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Great, except 30 mpg is not that much. I wish they'd apply this same concept to cars with better fuel efficiency, that would really make a difference.
Merc has been well known for their innovations. If the "groundbreaking key technology" is shared to other car/battery manufacturers, it'd be a great benefit for consumers and the environment. Hope that they've thoroughly tested it.
i agree - 30mpg is nothing to crow about. my '95 infiniti got 30-33mpg 13 years ago.
Great, any news from Merc on finding a reliable lithium iron battery need to be relied on. Hope others will be able to access the breakthrough technology particularly the diesel hybrid configuration.
30 mpg IS good, especially for the S-Class
This car is HUGE
No it isn't a Geo Metro or even a Prius, but 30 mpg isn't bad
a regular S-Class gets about 12 mpg
it's better mileage than the Lexus 600H hybrid
Definitely a step in the right direction. Good job Mercedes.
The hybrids are on! The Mercedes Lithium Ion Hybrid is another significant addition to the industry's growing lineup of green vehicles. Nice job for Mercedes. Oh wait, does anyone heard about a Cadillac hybrid? It'll be great if the Caddy would soon come up with their own hybrid sedan. I guess they have one model, but i forgot what type it is. Can you imagine a great looking Caddy with a spanking Cadillac headlights matched with lithium ion powertrain? Now that's nice too. Anyway, the S-Class hybrid from MB is the hottest thing to look forward to in 2009.
You think it will cost less than $100K?
Not so much...
actually hybrid diesel makes the more sense when the vehicle is bigger. The proportion of the total weight and total cost of the car which is caused by the hybrid drivetrain are then comparitively small. So really hybrid trucks and of course trains are perhaps where hybrid technology has the most potential.
Wake up people! Mercedes has missed it again! Who needs 300HP? 30 MPH?? Not enough!! Apply this technology to the C or E classes. $100K minimum, or else it will be missing the drive train and wheels. Where has Mercedes been for the last 10 years while Lexus and Toyota has been perfecting the hybrid? Is anyone asking if the car will have two separate trannies like Lexus, or are they going to choke off the valves like Honda. Believe me it makes a big difference on how they create the hybrid system. Mercedes acts like lithium ion batteries is their idea. Not!!!! Merc stole this technology development from the true hybrid pioneers right in the good old USA. Besides Toyota announced two years ago their hybrids will have lithium ion batteries in 2009. One last question: who wants to be the first Ginny pig to pay $150K plus to own an experimental car? Not me! I'll stay with my know commodity luxury hybrid, a Lexus.
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