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S-Class Diesel Hybrid Headed for Frankfurt Auto Show

Lexus' pursuit of environmental friendliness has resulted in one of the mostintriguing concepts to date - the luxury performance hybrid. Prior to the introduction of the RX 400h, the only other brand to feature a hybrid that offered superior performance to its conventional equal was the Honda Accord Hybrid. Since then, the Lexus range has bloomed to include the GS 450h, and its masterpiece and flagship, the LS 600h, while the Honda has been discontinued.

The LS 600h is the ultimate Lexus and a true representation of what the brand stands for. Instead of committing time and resources into developing a thirsty twelve-cylinder engine, Lexus applied its hybrid drive system, creating a vehicle that consumes fuel equal to that of a six-cylinder car, with the performance

The S-Class will soon be available with a hybrid. Not just any ordinary hybrid, though, a diesel hybrid. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

of one with twice the cylinders. The LS 600h is also recognized as being the first full-sized hybrid luxury sedan, something that no other brand can say they've achieved. That is, until this September, when Mercedes-Benz is slated to unveil the new S-Class Hybrid.

The S-Class Hybrid will be the first hybrid passenger car for Mercedes-Benz, and will be a direct rival to the LS 600h. Just the same, there are some serious differences between the two. Unlike the LS, a "performance" hybrid, Benz is pursuing the more traditional

Of course, in order to pass emissions, it'll be a Bluetec. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

hybrid route, which is to pair a smaller, more efficient engine with an electric motor. This means that as far as horsepower and performance goes, the Lexus will probably be quicker and faster.

What's interesting to see is that the S-Class Hybrid will not be a full hybrid like the Lexus, meaning that it can't sneak silently around the city as it can't run on electricity alone. Still, the ability to incorporate some sort of electrical assistance into a vehicle's drivetrain has proven beneficial in terms of economy. Sources predict that the S-Class Hybrid will achieve36 mpg, which is not only impressive for a vehicle of its size, but is a full 10 mpg more fuel efficient than what the Lexus is rated at. The hybrid system that is featured on the S-Class is the product

Despite not being a full hybrid, it should still be much more efficient than the LS 600h. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

of the partnership with GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler.

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