When one thinks of excellent fuel economy and ultra low emissions, the Mercedes-Benz S Class is a vehicle that rarely comes to mind. Until now. The S Class is Mercedes largest four door sedan. The S Class usually comes equipped with V-8 or V-12 engines in the American market. Mercedes engineers have been developing hybrid and hydrogen vehicles for years and are now able to offer their first hybrid model in the United States. The S400 BlueHybrid is powered by a 3.5 liter gasoline V-6 engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor. The S400 BlueHybrid is the first production hybrid vehicle in the world that utilizes a lithium ion battery. The estimated average fuel economy for the S400 BlueHybrid is 30 miles per gallon . In comparison, the twin turbo v-12 gasoline powered S600 achieves an average 13 miles per gallon.
Conventional hybrids leave much to be desired in regards to luxury. The S400 BlueHybrid is available with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats front and rear, keyless go, night vision with pedestrian detection, automatic high beam headlight control, voice activated satellite navigation, digital surround sound stereo, radar controlled cruise control, 3 television screens, adaptive air suspension, blind spot detection, and the list goes on.
The S Class is a vehicle that is used by CEO's, world leaders, and wealthy people all over the world. If these people start living by example, the rest of the world is sure to take notice. For most people purchasing an S Class, the cost is of little concern. However, it is encouraging to see that the S400 BlueHybrid is the least expensive S Class model offered in the United States. The S400 BlueHybrid is also exempt from the S Class' usual Federal Gas Guzzler Tax. People will be more apt to make environmentally friendly decisions when they are also economically beneficial. I guess you can have your cake and eat it too.
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