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Sleepyhead Mercedes-Benz has finally woken up to the lingering scents of waffles and maple syrup that have already gone down Toyota’s gullet. While the German automaker may have lost its edge on the hybrid phenomenon, it's better late than never, right?
Mercedes has a new S-Class hybrid that will get around 30 mpg. Release date is currently pegged at June 2009 for Europe, and September 2009 for the U.S. and China. The hybrid is expected to start around $102,000, compared to the current S-Class which starts at about $88,000 and can go up to $145,000.
What makes Mercedes’ hybrid different? A better battery. It’s still lithium-ion but it’s a better lithium-ion battery. Mercedes insists there will not be overheating problems with this battery. The S-Class hybrid is not a full hybrid. Its electric motor merely supplements the 279hp 6-cylinder gasoline engine. Mercedes also tossed in some innovations that they insist will set the S-Class hybrid apart from Japanese competitors; but the innovations can’t be that mind blowing because they’re not willing to talk about it.
Mercedes was late on this one because it put too many eggs in the diesel basket. Don’t misunderstand, diesel does get better mileage on the freeway and comparable mpg on regular streets and it’s also greener, but Americans want hybrids because it’s “new.”
Our take? We almost feel bad. It’s like going to bed early and waking up at five to get in a line only to have the person in front of you get the last one.
via Business Week
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