Mercedes-Benz is confusing the blog out of us with its nomenclature. Sure, it's usually pretty straightforward: one letter for the class, three numbers for the (approximate) engine displacement. Tack on 4Matic for all-wheel-drive, chop off a zero and add AMG for the performance models. But they just about lost us on this one.
In Frankfurt Mercedes unveiled two new hybrid versions of the S-Class: the S300 Bluetec Hybrid with diesel-electric power, and the S400 Hybrid with gas-electric power. In Los Angeles, however, they took the wraps off the S400 Bluetec Hybrid. Still with us? Well, they lost us, too. This version packs a V6 diesel coupled with an electric motor to provide 265 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, resulting in what Mercedes calls V8 performance with four-cylinder economy: 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 40.5 mpg on the highway.
While the previous S400 Hybrid unveiled in Frankfurt was gas-electric, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid unveiled with it was stated as producing 413 lb-ft of torque to this S400 Bluetec Hybrid's stated 465. Still, the press materials didn't specifically differentiate it from its Frankfurt-revealed stablemate, and nobody at the Mercedes booth here in LA could tell us if this was actually a different model. Think you can make sense of it? The press release is after the jump.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
More about 2007 LA Motor Show:
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Lotus the 2-Eleven to the US
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit
+ LA Auto Show 2007: 2008 Subaru WRX STI priced at $34,995
+ LA Auto Show 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Surf’s up! Suzuki SX4 Makai concept
+ 2007 LA Motor Show: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Lexus IS-F gets FiveAxified
+ LA Motor Show 2007: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG stateside debut
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Audi Cabriolet Quattro Concept
+ LA Motor Show 2007: Chevy Beat concept tops public polls and will go into production
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Honda unwraps the 2009 FCX Clarity!
+ Spy Shots: Hyundai RWD Coupe caught on floor of LA Auto Show 2007
+ 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show:Jaguar’s stylish new XF sedan
+ LA Auto Show 2007 Preview: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR drops
+ 2007 LA Auto Show: 2009 Nissan Murano pics hit the forums
+ 2007 L.A. Show Preview Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe
+ Ford Mustang Bullitt to Debut at 2007 LA Auto Show
+ 2007 LA Auto Show: Acura shows drawings of a future fuel cell Le Mans racer
+ 2007 Los Angeles Motor Show Preview: Quick test drive in BMW 535d
