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2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid: a First for Mercedes-Benz

Most automakers pick compact or midsize models when they decide a gasoline/electric powertrain is the sensible course. Yet, when Mercedes-Benz decided to develop a hybrid, planners went all the way to the top of the line: to the luxurious S-Class “flagship” sedan, as facelifted for 2010.

The new S400 Hybrid isn’t the first full-size luxury sedan to assume gasoline/electric operation. Lexus launched its LS 600h L sedan, with a comparable hybrid powertrain, as a 2008 model. Both companies evidently believe there’s a significant urge for greater fuel economy and reduced emissions, even at the upper end of the economic scale.

One big difference lies in the battery. With the S400, Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to issue a series-production model with a lithium-ion battery pack that fits into the engine compartment. Except for seldom-seen Fisker and Tesla cars, other hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries.

Under the S400 hood, a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine generates 275 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 15-kilowatt electric motor is located between the gas engine and the seven-speed adaptive automatic transmission, which incorporates Sport and Comfort modes. The electric motor adds 20 horsepower, for a total of 295; plus 118 pound-feet of starting torque, to boost acceleration when taking off.

Unlike some hybrid-powertrain vehicles on the market, this one does not have a full hybrid system. The engine shuts off automatically as you slow down and come to a halt at a stoplight or stop sign, but the S400 Hybrid cannot run on battery power alone. Electricity augments the gasoline engine, but cannot substitute its function. In some hybrid models, the gasoline engine shuts off and restarts with a bit of a bump. Not here. It’s nearly impossible to discern the transition between engine shut-off and subsequent start-up at a stoplight.

The rear-wheel-drive S400 Hybrid gets a fuel-economy estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway—comparable to a smaller gas-engine car. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan with a 382-horsepower V-8 gets a mileage estimate of only 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Naturally, the S600 with its 510-hp V-12 engine is even less thrifty. Built on a 124.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 206.5 inches long overall, the S400 Hybrid is a substantial automobile, weighing at least 4,390 pounds. That’s a lot for any powertrain to push.

Everything is super-smooth in the S400 Hybrid, just as it is in every S-Class sedan. After all, this is Mercedes-Benz’s prime model: the very top of the sedan lineup in terms of luxury and comfort/convenience. So, you get nearly every S-Class benefit and element of elegance, coupled with the promise of consuming less fuel and yielding fewer emissions.

With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds, performance admittedly falls short of the capabilities of the S550 sedan. Even so, the S400 Hybrid comes close enough to satisfy most potential buyers in this league. Only the most ardent high-end hot rodder is likely to grumble about any shortage of screaming acceleration. And those folks aren’t likely to lean toward a hybrid of any class, much less the upper-luxury S-Class. Even an S550 or S600 doesn’t satisfy everyone, which is why Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division turns out super-performance S63 and S65 editions.

Every S-Class model, including the S400, is loaded with technology and driver conveniences. The standard Pre-Safe system can sense an impending collision and tighten seatbelts, as well as apply additional braking force. Mercedes-Benz also offers a Driver Assistance Package that includes a Blind-Spot Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. New Attention Assist is a driver-fatigue alert system that provides both an audible and visual warning when it senses lack of alertness.

Back-seat video entertainment with dual screens is offered. A Rear Seating Package includes four-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat memory, and heated/active-ventilated rear seats. A Sport Package includes several appearance items, and may be augmented by a panoramic moonroof. Night View Assist Plus is another extra-cost option, but 20-inch tires are a no-charge alternative to the standard 18-inch rubber. Although the S400 Hybrid is the lowest-priced S-Class model, it’s hardly a giveaway at $88,825 (including destination charge). Still, the gasoline-engine S550 sedan stickers for $93,475.

Mercedes Benz Leasing

We always dream to own a Mercedes Benz and at the end we become frustrated because it is just impossible to afford it. We, most of the normal people go through the same disappointment.Mercedes Benz is a stylish car with amazing features and not everyone has the ability to buy this car. It is really like a dream car for general publics. It is really elegant, well styled with beautiful looks and curves but the most depressing part is the cost because it is very costly and it is not a problem for rich people but for a normal people it is just like reaching for a starts.

So we continue our dreaming but time has changed and today you no longer need to dream for owning this car. Now you can take this car “lease” as an owner. There are several offers are available now where you can go for Mercedes Benz leasing without actually buying it. Without a long term commitment of perspective you can get the car of you dream by leasing Mercedes Benz.
But before leasing this car we need to carefully review all the terms and condition of the contract paper. Here you don’t have worry about maintenance charges and you can select any latest version of this car for lease. It will cost you extra rent if you exceed the pre agreed annual mileage. The fixed annual mileage is set at 12,000 miles per year.
So, leasing a Mercedes Benz is the best way to fulfilling the dream of driving Mercedes Benz with a reasonable price. Regular Mercedes news also helps you knowing about all the news latest Mercedes news and keeps you updates. A  Mercedes Lease is the best option to get a brand new one.

Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV Reviewed

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen, short for Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle / sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz. A major reason to start development was the need of the German Army for a light military vehicle. Without any joint test the cheaper Volkswagen Iltis were chosen, but since 1990 it is replaced by the G-Class “Wolf” and LAPV Enok. After a design change to a civilian cross-country vehicle in co-operation with the Austrian car manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch, production of the G-Class began in 1979 with the 460 Series models.[2] The G-Class has been sold under the Puch name in certain markets, and the Peugeot P4 is a variant made under license, with a Peugeot engine and different parts.

Mercedes-Benz secured military contracts for the vehicle in the late 1970s and offered a civilian version in 1979. Designed to be a durable, reliable, and rugged off-roader, the G-wagen utilizes three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles sold in the U.S. to have such a feature, along with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Toyota 80-series Land Cruiser, Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle, and Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Among the engines offered in the G-Class for the 2004 model year is a 5.5-liter V8.

Take a look at the Awesome Mercedes G-class 4×4

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The Latest Mecedes SLS Amg Sneak Pics

Short Review of the Mecedes SLS Amg

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan based on the W211 E-Class platform. Marketed as a ‘four door coupe,’ the CLS recalls the fastback saloon designs of Robert Opron (born 1932) in the 1970s but is actually the work of the influential American automotive designer, Michael Fink (born 1967) who styled the first CLK, the C-Sportcoupe’, and is known as the stylist who penned the Maybach 57 and 62 respectively. According to a Mercedes-Benz press release, the CLS-class was produced to combine the “strong, emotive charisma” of a coupe with the “comfort and practicality” of a saloon. Save for its four-door design, the CLS’s design tends towards a coupe, as its sleek roofline reduces the rear passenger room to a 2+2 arrangement, and it offers a smaller selection of engines tending towards high powered of the range, compared to contemporary sedans such as the E-Class.

No. of cylinders/arrangement 8/V, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement cc 6208
Bore x stroke mm 102.2 x 94.6
Rated power output hp 571 at 6800 rpm
Rated torque Nm 650 at 4750 rpm
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
Mixture preparation Microprocessor-controlled fuel injection, HFM

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SLS 63 AMG

The Amazing Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Review

There are certain cars that tell us in one look that they are average and not the best car that we would desire to be seen driving in. But there are other vehicles that ooze an air of splendor and the instant you peek at it you understand it is the car that you have alwayd dreamed of. One of these vehicles is the brand Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.

This is the first premium compact crossover SUV that Mercedes-Benz has ever produced. Though the GLK 350 may be a bit more solid than what we are used to seeing from them it does not disappoint us. The platform for this SUV was built on the standard C-class sedan.

So why did Mercedes choose to construct an SUV? “We needed a car like the GLK 350,” sales representative Mark Leonard said. “It’s designed to go head-to-head with the BMW X3 and it is doing a fantastic job.”

The SUV was first debuted earlier this year and is planned to be a 2010 model version. It has already gathered much media attention because of its unique design and the starting price that Mercedes-Benz has set for it. Many people were expecting to see a high number – but were surprised when the business set it at a low $33,900. This will most definitely be in the running for the affordable SUV on the market and may be able to overpass the X3 in price alone.

The GLK is outfitted with a 3.5 liter V6 engine and joined with a seven speed automatic transmission. Together the two work in harmony and allow for a smooth but powerful drive. It is simpler then before to speed up the car and it has the ability to reach 60 MPH in only 6.9 seconds.

If you wish to choose the premium packet you will be given a panorama sunroof, power liftgate, media upgrade package, heated front seats, and memory settings for mirrors, steering wheel, and the driver’s seat. You will also be given numerous of the more favorite characteristics that include power assist, dual zone automatic climate control, eight CD sound system, and a trip computer. Mercedes also supplied the standard safety features to every model.

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