S-Class EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants

[HighestOfHigh]

According to an Autoblog source close to the project, Mercedes-Benz will go all-hybrid with its next-generation S-Class lineup in America – with the exception of enthusiast-oriented AMG models. The plutocrat cruiser is expected to roll up in 2012, and it is understood that gas-only S-Class models will be the exclusive preserve of the company's performance arm – the German automaker is not talking about offering both regular and hybrid variants of the same model, at least in the States.

Presently, Daimler only offers a single gasoline-electric variant of its W221 S-Class – the S400 hybrid (the range's price leader at $87,950), and it incorporates a 3.5-liter V6 with a mild hybrid assist system for 295 horsepower and 26 miles-per-gallon on the freeway. Other models in current S-Class lineup all have more cylinders and power, including the 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 of the S550 and the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 of the S600. It is not immediately clear if company engineers plan to downsize the internal-combustion side of the next S' powertrain equation as a result of the all gas-electric strategy. While we expect Mercedes will offer a range of CDI diesel models in European market, no such model is apparently planned for the States at this time.

While the Daimler board has yet to sign-off on this plan, it appears to be all but certain. Interestingly, our contact indicates that S400 sales are going swimmingly in the States – particularly among Hollywood's green-minded glitterati, a contingent that our source maintains is abandoning their Priuses at a furious rate now that the model has become "something of a pariah" due to Toyota's recent troubles.

- EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants — Autoblog

 

[HighestOfHigh]

2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class To Get New Twin-Turbo V-8, Possible All-Hybrid Lineup

New reports on the possibility of big shakeups in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup are beginning to break loose, and our sleuths have laid down the digital shoe leather to bring you the latest inside news: there's a new direct-injection BiTurbo V-8 engine coming to the S-Class, and an all-hybrid take is also being seriously considered. The best part: it all starts with the 2011 model.

It's still not yet 100 percent that the S-Class will go all-hybrid, though that's definitely a "strong consideration" according to a Mercedes-Benz spokesman. What is certain, however, is that the current 5.5-liter naturally-aspirated, 382-horsepower S550 will get a new direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine from the MoVe family of engines. The new V-8 S-Class will be officially unveiled in about six weeks. The CL-Class is due for a facelift later this year (spy shots and info here), and will also get the new BiTurbo V-8 engine among other upgrades.

Currently the S-Class lineup consists of the S400 Hybrid, the S550, the V-12-powered S600 and the S63 and S65 AMG cars. Boosting the S550 to a direct-injected twin-turbo (or in Mercedes-speak, BiTurbo) V-8, and presumably something more like 450 horsepower, narrows the gap to the S600, perhaps indicating further ripples through the S-Class pond are yet to come.

Right now the S-Class is poised at the middle of its product lifecycle, so updates to the line are more likely to be evolutionary than revolutionary. That said, there's already a hybrid system in the S400 Hybrid--though that's packaged with the smaller and less-powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine for a combined output of 295 horsepower. With the impending strict fuel economy standards starting from 2012, however, it may make sense to find a way to stick a hybrid into the entire range. Whatever happens, we'll bring you the latest as we dig it up.

- 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class To Get New Twin-Turbo V-8, Possible All-Hybrid Lineup - MotorAuthority

 

[Merc1]

The all hybrid part is just bs or if true would be a big mistake. A lot of people don't want no stinking hybrid. I think we've read this before. Can't wait to see the 2011 lineu of engines. All hybrid would be a major turn off to people who just want a plain and simple S550 without the funny brake pedal feel and extra hardware. Why not a diesel, a hybrid and the regular models. Don't force hybrids on everyone. S-class is about choice, so then offer it.


M

 

[LaArtist]

Dont see it happening..and if it does it will be done in a way with no compromise..
Its S class afterall

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Im just exicited by the fact theres big things on the horizon for MB's larger drivetrains. About bloody time!

 

[adeel2010]

I really doubt this will happen but if it does, big mistake. I would rather buy a used one rather than hybrid.

 

[NarutoRamen]

^^At least they are still keeping the AMG petrol engined.

 

[Centurion]

The all hybrid part is just bs or if true would be a big mistake. A lot of people don't want no stinking hybrid. I think we've read this before. Can't wait to see the 2011 lineu of engines. All hybrid would be a major turn off to people who just want a plain and simple S550 without the funny brake pedal feel and extra hardware. Why not a diesel, a hybrid and the regular models. Don't force hybrids on everyone. S-class is about choice, so then offer it.


M

I see Toyota's recall has aliented you from Hybrids

 

[Human]

So the Germans are catering for the State of California USA, Hybrid stinks as Merc1 said....then again Merc and Audi can do whatever they like, BMW are going FWD

The Germans has gone mad!

 

[Centurion]

So the Germans are catering for the State of California USA

It has little to do with California. Hybrids will represent aconsiderable percentage of new cars in the next 3-5. It's the way forward for sustainability.

In an S-Class hybrid makes perfect sense.

*The car will be more quiet at low speeds.
*Fleet buyers and owners with chauffeurs will enjoy lower fuel costs when the car is idle or stuck in traffic.
*An electric motor will boost torque.
*Owners will beat the congestion charge.

For those reasons I cannot see why people are opposing an all hybrid S-Class line-up. Eventually the electric motor will trickle down to the E and ML.

 

[Mr Robert]

Well, is it not only the S550 that is not an AMG model in the US? Oh, wait, there is the S600 as well.

 

[Human]

It has little to do with California. Hybrids will represent aconsiderable percentage of new cars in the next 3-5. It's the way forward for sustainability.

In an S-Class hybrid makes perfect sense.

*The car will be more quiet at low speeds.
*Fleet buyers and owners with chauffeurs will enjoy lower fuel costs when the car is idle or stuck in traffic.
*An electric motor will boost torque.
*Owners will beat the congestion charge.

For those reasons I cannot see why people are opposing an all hybrid S-Class line-up. Eventually the electric motor will trickle down to the E and ML.

Location: London...Congestion charge, I guess for execs living in London and other big cities, it will make sense Centurion

 

[Mr Robert]

For those reasons I cannot see why people are opposing an all hybrid S-Class line-up. Eventually the electric motor will trickle down to the E and ML.

Many think it is the wrong end to start at. The cars that really needs to get more efficient, are those driven by mr Joe Average.

 

[bmer]

A lineup with mild hybrids & full hybrids and an AMG version sounds plausible for the W222.

 

[sako97]

It has little to do with California. Hybrids will represent aconsiderable percentage of new cars in the next 3-5. It's the way forward for sustainability.

In an S-Class hybrid makes perfect sense.

*The car will be more quiet at low speeds.
*Fleet buyers and owners with chauffeurs will enjoy lower fuel costs when the car is idle or stuck in traffic.
*An electric motor will boost torque.
*Owners will beat the congestion charge.

For those reasons I cannot see why people are opposing an all hybrid S-Class line-up. Eventually the electric motor will trickle down to the E and ML.

Agreed

Most firms here in Manhattan have replaced their Pre-Facelift S550 fleets with S400s. The S400 has also had huge success in SoCal.

That being said, this a very risky move for MB, reliability wise. The W221 has been very reliable, but it will take quite a while to fully develop the W222 powertrain lineup. Reliability problems is what nearly destroyed MB a couple years ago during the Schrempp era.

 

[PHYBENZ]

I personally don't believe they will go all hybrid and essentially dumps the S550 and S600.

There's too much invested in those engines and the perception and prestige that comes along with those models.

Will there be hybrids? Of course, but not exclusively along with only AMGs. You're cutting too many people out. What if I don't want a Hybrid?

 

[tennmb]

This is different than what we heard at the last MB meeting, as they promised a S-class diesel for the states relatively soon.

 

[Merc1]

Can you tell us anything about the engines for 2011???


M

 

[SKY]

The S-Class will grow in size and will go into another level, as Maybach is said to be axed. The W222 will be more luxury, bigger, and will have more tech than ever before. I´ve already read this don´t remember where.

 

[Merc1]

I hope in doing so they don't have another W140 debacle/backlash on their hands.

Bigger is nice, but bigger and lighter weight would be stunning. Add in some real world efficiency gains and they'll have a winner. I just hope they don't mess up the styling and the interior.


M