Mercedes S-Class Hybrid

A concept future hybrid, the F 700 Research Car, was also unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show. The F700 featured three regular opening doors and a fourth door capable of 180 degree rotation.

Also a S 300 Bluetec hybrid is going appear in the next years, making Mercedes-Benz one of the first companies to combine a hybrid powertrain with a diesel engine (diesel-electric hybrid vehicle) in a production vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that they will be offering their first hybrid car in 2008.

The configuration is said to be quite "mild", as opposed to a "full" hybrid system. What this means is that the gas engine is always running, unlike "full" hybrids on the market where the engine shuts off completely at full stops. Instead, the electric motor in the new Mercedes, not being able to operate independently, will only work to provide additional power.

The plan is throw this "mild" hybrid technology into the Mercedes S-Class as an option. No word on pricing, but if other hybrids are any indication, you will definitely be paying a premium to get your hands on the gas-electric version. Direct competition includes the 430hp Lexus LS 600h L full hybrid.