LA Auto Show 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think

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.

LA 2007 Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid


LA 2007 Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid LA 2007 Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid

[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

 
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