New Technology Mercedes Benz, Hybrid Cars

The Mercedes-Benz Hybrid is the German automaker's first production gas-electric hybrid, with a dual-mode system that matches exceptional power and torque with relatively good fuel economy. The hybrid crossover debuts at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

With application Mercedes-Benz mates a gasoline engine a specially designed 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), twin electric motors, four clutches and the company's 4Matic all-wheel drive. The combination delivers 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque, while returning 21 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. Zero-to-60 acceleration takes 7.8 seconds, and top speed is just over 130 mph.


Mercedes-Benz unveiled full-size luxury hybrid production models with lithium batteries: the S400 BlueHybrid and the 7-Series hybrid, respectively. Mercedes-Benz Chairman Dieter Zetsche said the S400 -- powered by a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 15-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-battery pack -- will be the world's most economical luxury car with a gasoline engine. The car will be able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and get about 29 miles per gallon. "This is just the beginning," Zetsche said. "With this technology, we can hybridize all of our models in rapid succession. This car proves Mercedes will be able to downsize its emissions without downsizing its products.