It is being reported that Mercedes-Benz will make the entire S-Class, the largest sedans produced by the brand, including the AMG models which are the high performance counterparts, i.e., the 525 horsepower V-8 and the 612 horsepower V-12, exclusively hybrid. This move is to go into effect with the European models in 2013 and U.S. models in 2014.
The S-Class which connotes a vehicle that is so elegantly envisioned and engineered as to have no peer invites a particular clientele which may find this news less than appealing. A client who can easily afford a Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not be overly concerned about fuel economy and if a hybrid resulted in a loss of power then it could be a deal breaker. However, Mercedes-Benz along with all automakers must meet certain fuel economy standards not only in the U.S., (with the Obama administration requiring by 2016 model year that vehicles get an average of 35.5 mpg), but also across the pond where Mercedes-Benz elite models top the list in the less than classy category of gas hog. Mercedes is wise for taking action and including the AMG (high performance models) in the transition.
Mercedes offers the S400 in a hybrid trim level that grants 295 horses and 284 lb. ft. of torque from a 3.5-L V-6 engine with an added electric motor (lithium ion battery) and achieves 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds. The vehicle has a MSRP of $87,950 and offers fuel economy of 19 city and 26 highway. The S550 offers, at a MSRP of $91,600, a 5.5-L 32 valve V-8 engine granting 382 horses and 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Fuel economy on the S550 is 14 city and 21 highway.
At this time Mercedes-Benz is not offering a confirmation of the S-Class change, but they are intent on finding ways to meet fuel economy standards and have confirmed the brand will sell a diesel hybrid car: the 2011 E 300 BluTec Hybrid. It is reported this hybrid will get a very classy 58 miles to the gallon.
The switch could happen when the next generation S-class is due in Europe in 2013 and would follow suit in North America the following year.
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A client who can easily afford a Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not be overly concerned about fuel economy and if a hybrid resulted in a loss of power then it could be a deal breaker.