Merc-Benz S400 HYBRID to sell in China in Aug

Shanghai, May 12 (Gasgoo.com) At the 2009 Shanghai auto show last month, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first hybrid model S400 HYBRID, a gasoline-electric hybrid based on its S-Class sedan, and this hybrid model will be introduced to the Chinese market this summer, said sohu.com today.

The new S400 HYBRID is scheduled for launch in Europe this June, with China to follow in August and the U.S. by September. The diesel-electric version of the M-Class SUV should follow up shortly after, and the vehicle will feature the same dual-mode hybrid system found in the S400 HYBRID.

Mercedes claims the new S400 HYBRID to be the world's first standard production hybrid model with a lithium-ion battery. It is the hybrid variant of Merc's S-Class, based on the facelifted S350 and featuring an extensively modified drivetrain that combines a revised version of the firm's 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine developing 279HP with a 20HP electric motor.

The S400 HYBRID consumes on average 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the EU cycle or 29.8mpg US that corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of 186 grams per kilometer. Mercedes chose Shanghai for its S400 HYBRID to make the world premier.

The premium division of Daimler AG has brought 35 models of four Mercedes brands -- Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Smart and Mercedes-AMG -- to the 2009 Shanghai show last month.