The S300 Bluetec Hybrid uses a 2.2 Liter, 4 cylinder Diesel engine in a hybrid configuration, to deliver an astounding average of 43.5 mpg. That's better than anything you can buy stateside today, except for a Prius. Remember, this is the big badass S Class, not some little Euro weenie model that's a Mercedes in name only. Now, before you accuse me of touting a car that can hardly get out of its own way, let me point out that the S300 has a combined 224 horsepower and 413 lb/ft of torque. Even with that big S Class body, that's good enough for about 150 mph.

Mercedes says they will start selling the S300 Bluetec Hybrid in Europe in 2010. Let's just hope they see fit to offer it in the gas guzzling USA. Please? Pretty please?



That 2.2 sure beats the snot out of the 80's model 190D which also used a 2.2L at 75hp and 30mpg. It's estimated that this S-Class diesel is good for 150mph too

 

thats an amazing car!

 

good picture. In 2007 I was determined to get a v12, but I really didn't know gas would become such a political issue. I hesitated, and I'm glad I did.

 

I was hoping that MB would have a hydrogen or water-HHO car by 2010. I currently have my 1990, and the 2000, so a 2010 would fit right in. I must be getting old.

 

I always have to ask them the same question.... Does it come in blue?

Blue

 

Being honest 43.5mpg is not that earth shattering these days when talking about economic cars here in Europe. Also, its not hard to achieve good economy in almost any car, even one with a a big engine if you drive it like an old(ish) man. My 1997 S500 achieves 35mpg driving around here in South London without problems if I drive very sensibly, and don't keep on putting my foot down at lights, let the momentum of the car take me up to the lights etc. If I do put my foot down....well with petrol at £4 ish a gallon....oh dear.

A good example of this is BBC Top Gear took an un-modified Audi A8 4.2 V8 TDI Quattro, and drove it from London to Edingbrough and back, which is about 800 miles, and averaged 40mpg, and its not motorway all the way, and thats a few years back now.

I would have expected much more, given the Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept gets 52.3 mpg, and is a fairly heavy car too, hope Mercedes did not measure it with an imperial gallon! I admit an S-Class claiming 43.5mpg, is impressive, but my point I am trying to put out is its definitely not as amazing as it could be, given what others are doing here in Europe these days (an no doubt will be doing in the US soon with increasing oil prices).

 

I sure wish I would have enough cash to buy this one when it comes out.

 

With the price of diesel fuel being about a 1/3rd higher than gasoline in the States, the total fuel savings cost won't be very significant. Throw in the extra $5,000-$10,000 they will ask for a diesel model and my guess is if you looked at the total economy of the car it might take 150,000 miles to make the purchase worthwhile.
I do admit though that it's a step in the right direction.

 

I sure would look good seating in it, but new it have to be seating in the dealers lot. To much $$$ for me.

 

wow, thats great. what a beautiful car and i love that color :P