S300 Bluetec Hybrid and ML450 Hybrid to debut at Frankfurt

Mercedes is getting into the clean and green spirit for the Frankfurt Motor Show with the announcement that it will be taking the wraps off a number of new environmentally friendly models. With no less than 19 new models on display at Frankfurt its fair to say that Mercedes have been busy.

Of special note are the S300 Bluetec Hybrid and the ML450 Hybrid. Toyota have been leading the way with Hybrid technology but it won’t be long before the Germans have them rounded up. In fact they are going one up on Toyota and combining hybrid technology with their already frugal Bluetec diesel – the perfect combination.

The S 300 Bluetec diesel-hybrid combines a four-cylinder diesel and electric assistance for a combined system output of 165kW/224hp and an astounding maximum torque of 560Nm. This allows for effortless performance while only consuming 5.4-litres per 100km. Now hybrid technology starts to make sense. The S300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet most stringent emissions standards such as EU6 or the BIN5 standard for 50 US states.

The ML450 Hybrid is expected to be the first German made petrol-hybrid SUV to make it to market. Due to debut in 2009 it will also take pride of place on the Mercedes stand at Frankfurt. It uses an innovative two mode petrol-electric hybrid system with a combined output of 250kW/340 hp and 480Nm. With 250kW on tap we would expect that the ML450 Hybrid will be a sterling straight line performer without the thirst for fuel usually associated with a large SUV. Mercedes quote just 7.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 185g/km.

The hybrid theme continues with the unveiling of the Mercedes F700 that uses an innovative Diesotto-electric hybrid drive. Sort of the best of both worlds, the Diesotto runs on petrol but uses more efficient compression ignition like a diesel. More on the F700 later…

Steane

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]