Mercedes-Benz S-Class Diesel Hybrid is one of the first creations unfolding as a result of the of the hybrid transmission joint venture between GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler.
It is expected to debut this fall as the world's first production diesel-electric hybrid vehicle. The same transmission system is expected to appear in large GM trucks in the near future.
Sources predict that the S-Class Hybrid will achieve 36 mpg, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size.
There are still a couple of questions up in the air about the S-Class Hybrid, namely what its main engine will be. Two years ago when Mercedes-Benz launched the updated S-Class, they had a prototype diesel-electric hybrid in the works called the Bluetec Hybrid Concept, which featured a 3.2-liter CDI turbodiesel V6 that made 243 horsepower. While this is a likely choice for the production car, another viable option is the brand new four-cylinder Bluetec turbodiesel engine that debuted in the Vision C 220 Bluetec Concept last year. The net power from the four-cylinder configuration should at the very minimum be equal to 200 horsepower, and well over 300 lb-ft of torque.
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