Mercedes Revs Up Hybrid

'09 version of luxury automaker's S-Class will get about 30 mpg
By Jim O'Neill,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 12, 2008 10:24 AM CDT
Mercedes Revs Up Hybrid
"We have to ensure that people in six years will be able to drive a big car without sacrifices or a bad conscience," says at executive at Mercedes, which plans to add one hybrid model per year.   (AP Photo)

Mercedes is adding a hybrid model to its line of S-Class luxury autos in June 2009, BusinessWeek reports, promising nearly 30 miles to the gallon and adding $14,000 to its $88,000 base sticker price. The model—which, unlike some other hybrids, can’t run exclusively on battery power—should hit showroom floors in the US by next September.

The new model comes to a market clamoring for more options. Mercedes has focused instead on its highly efficient diesel engine that delivered almost as much fuel economy as the Toyota Prius and is nearly as clean. “We have to ensure that people in six years will be able to drive a big car without sacrifices or a bad conscience," one exec says. (More auto industry stories.)

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