Next-Gen S-Class To Go All-Hybrid In U.S.?

Here's an interesting report: The next generation of Mercedes top of the line S-Class will be all hybrid. At least they will be in the United States. Hm. I could see that making sense on a bunch of levels. First off, it will most definitely help with Merc's CAFE numbers. Plus, it still also plays into the hands of the rich, show off greenies out there.

According to sources Mercedes-Benz will go all-hybrid with its next-generation S-Class lineup in America. That will be rolling out in 2012 (model year or calendar year was not specified), and the German automaker is not talking about offering both regular and hybrid variants for sale in the States, just hybrids.

So what about AMG, you ask? No worries. The enthusiast-oriented AMG models will still be available here in the U.S. of A., and it is understood that gas-only S-Class models will be the exclusive preserve of the company's performance arm. So calm down.

At the moment, Mercedes only offers a single gasoline-electric hybrid variant of its W221 S-Class, that would be the S400 hybrid. The S400 hybrid is also the range's price leader ringing out at, a-hem, $87,950. The S400 hybrid has a 3.5-liter V6 merged with a mild hybrid assist system for a total 295 horsepower and 26 miles-per-gallon on the freeway.

Other current models in S-Class line all have more cylinders and power, natch. Some of the more notable plants being the 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 found in the S550 and the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 plant nestled within the engine bay of the S600.

There is no word yet on what sort of internal combustion engines will make it into the alleged North American hybrids, or if Merc engineers plan to downscale the internal-combustion side of the next S Class hybrid powertrain equation as an effect of the all gas-electric policy.

Sadly, there is no word on a diesel electric hybrid making it to the states, even though Mercedes makes a whole range of CDI diesel models in European market. Swines.

Source: AutoBlogGreen