2009 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDi BluEFFICIENCY: Most Frugal S-Class Ever

Who needs a complicated and apparently expensive, hybrid drivetrain when you can achieve an average fuel consumption of 7.6 lt/100 km (31 mpg US) in a fully equipped large saloon like the S-Class simply by using a diesel engine and a few supplementary measures? Even Merc’s own S400 Hybrid isn’t that good sipping an average of 7.9 liters of petrol for every 100 km (29.8 mpg US). -Continued

And even if the S320 CDi is a tad slower than the S400 Hybrid completing the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.8 sec instead of 7.2 sec (top speed for both models is 250 km/h), the difference is insignificant for your typical S-Class owner that that will most likely use the vehicle as a highway cruiser and not a highway racer

The latest variant of Merc’s luxury saloon, which is due to take over from the S 320 CDI from the end of this year, is equipped with the same V6 turbo diesel powerplant as before delivering an output of 235 HP and 540 Nm. But thanks to the BluEFFICIENCY package that includes on-demand power steering, a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, the German automaker has managed to reduce the standard S320 CDI's average consumption by 0.2 lt /100 km.

Adding to its allure, pricing for the BlueEFFICIENCY S-Class model in Germany remains the same as the S320 CDI at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) and at €78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version.

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Video

The road-ready petrol-electric Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid limousine will make its debut at next week’s Paris motorshow. The German automaker promises that although the S400 Hybrid is more powerful and slightly faster than the S350 upon it is based, it betters the average fuel consumption of the conventionally powered S-Class limo by up to 2.2 lt /100 km, at 7.9 lt /100 km. Hit the jump for the video or click here for more details on Merc’s first production hybrid model. -Continued

New Mercedes-Benz S-600 Pullman Guard State Limo

In celebration of its special-protection unit’s 80th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has launched the new S600 Pullman Guard state limousine for those officials who like to feel a bit of extra security. Based on a the S600 Guard, the Pullman has been stretched out to a total length of 6,356 mm with a 4,315 mm wheelbase that’s about the size of a compact hatchback. Power comes from twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 engine developing 517 and 830 Nm of torque. -Continued

Mercedes-Benz’s special-protection unit has fortified the S600 Pullman Guard to withstands attacks from a variety of weapons including military-standard small-arms projectiles. It also provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. Additional safety features include run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID: First Production Car with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Mercedes-Benz has released further details on its first production model equipped with a hybrid drive system, the S400 BlueHYBRID that will go on sale in Europe in June 2009 with China and the USA following in August and September 2009 respectively. Based on the S350, the S400 BlueHYBRID combines a modified 279HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine and an electric motor generating 20 HP and a starting torque of 160 Nm or 118-lbs/ft that’s installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission. The result is a combined output of 299 HP and a combined maximum torque of 385 Nm or 283-lbs/ft. -Continued

Quite importantly (and unless someone beats the Germans to it), the S400 BlueHYBIRD will be the first series-production model to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight.

What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.

As with most hybrids today, when the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy which is then stored in lithium-ion battery pack and made available when required. The hybrid module also has a start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill- for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move on, the electric motor restarts the main power unit.

According to Merc’s official figures, the S400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 sec, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. More importantly, the S 400 BlueHYBRID betters the average fuel consumption figure of the conventionally powered S350 by up to 2.2 lt /100 km, at 7.9 lt /100 km (29.8 MPG US) and CO2 emissions by 21 percent at 190 gr /km.

Mercedes-Benz Creates 1,000 Special Edition S550 Sedans for Charity

Mercedes-Benz USA has designed a special edition version of its S550 sedan to help raise funds for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, a women's cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund. The Special Edition S550 that will be available in 1,000 pieces, is distinguished by the sport bodykit that includes a front air dam, side skirts and rear bumper with dual stainless-steel exhaust tailpipes, 20-inch AMG 5-spoke alloys, the Diamond White metallic paint and the exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather interior that’s combined with Burl Walnut trim. -Continued

The German automaker said that it expects to contribute $1 million through the sale of the 1,000 exclusive S-Class vehicles scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this month bringing the total raised to date by MBUSA for women's cancer research to over $6 million.

Image edited by Carscoop

Inden-Design Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC with 415HP

The German-based tuning firm Inden-Design has released a new performance package for the Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC. In the standard S 500 4MATIC, the 5.5-litre V8 engine produces an output of 388 HP accelerating the all-wheel-drive luxury sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds. Thanks to the reprogrammed engine control unit (ECU), Inden-Design has managed to add another 27 HP to the 5.5 V8 raising its total output to 415 HP. Other than that, the Inden-Design prepped S500 4MATIC’s suspension has been lowered by 45mm and it also features a sport exhaust system with four tailpipes and new 20-inch BBW LeMans alloy wheels in 245/35R20 tires in front and 285/30R20 at the rear. -Image gallery after the jump