For the near future, Mercedes-Benz is developing a unique variety of new, particularly economical and clean models, with intelligently combined drive technologies. At the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the Stuttgart-based car manufactureris presenting its ambitious goals for the future for the first time to the American public. Cars with innovative modular technology combining diesel engine with BLUETEC emissions control technology and compact hybrid module, such as the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID and the ML 450 HYBRID fitted with a V6 petrol engine and two electric motors, are milestones on the "Road to the Future", which Mercedes-Benz has mapped out and which focuses uncompromisingly on sustainability . The development priorities along the way include modular drive technologies; first and foremost, optimised combustion engines with individually configured hybrid solutions
that can be used singly or in combination, depending on the vehicle class, usage and customer.

The ML 450 HYBRID will be launched on the market in 2009 as world CO2 champion as it is the most economical SUV petrol hybrid in its class in the whole world. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system makes it possible to drive powered entirely by electricity, while achieving the highest comfort levels. The V6 petrol engine delivers 205 kW/279 hp and 338 Newton metres of torque, the two-mode hybrid module with two electric motors develops 45 kW/61 hp. A combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined peak torque of 480 Newton metres give it effortlessly superior power, while offering its fuel consumption of just 7.7 litres per 100 km. This way the ML 450 HYBRID with all-wheel drive achieves CO2 emissions of only 185 g/km, a level unmatched by any other vehicle in its class anywhere in the world.

The two compact electric motors with a total output of 120 kW/163 hp in the ML 450 HYBRID take up a lot less space in the vehicle than comparable systems, thus guaranteeing that this is an ideal package. The system, unique in its kind, with four fixed gears, combines the advantages of a multiple-speed automatic transmission with those of a stepless CVT transmission. The two electric motors are integrated in the innovative two-mode hybrid transmission of the ML 450 HYBRID. This drive is optimised both for urban and country roads. Voltage is supplied by a 288 V battery, which makes it possible to store considerable quantities of electrical energy. In interaction with an intelligent energy management system, this vehicle features all the full hybrid characteristics such as driving entirely under electric power, the start/stop function of the internal-combustion engine, boost effect and braking energy recovery.

Mercedes-Benz is thus offering a hybrid technology which guarantees low fuel consumption, effortlessly superior performance, the highest level of comfort and outstanding practicality - also in terms of a fully utilisable boot volume. The two-mode hybrid also improves fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds, giving it a further advantage over other hybrid concepts available on the market.

The S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, scheduled to go into series production in 2010, underlines the tremendous savings potential and environmental compatibility of the modular technology concept from Mercedes-Benz involving a BLUETEC/ hybrid combination. This intelligent BLUETEC technology, developed by Mercedes-Benz, effectively reduces diesel vehicle emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides, making the compression-ignition engine one of the cleanest and most efficient drives in the world. The road to this objective was paved by Mercedes-Benz engineers, on the one hand by optimising the internal operation of the engine, and on the other hand by means of an effective exhaust emissions treatment system fine-tuned to the engine. The system itself consists of an oxidation catalytic converter which reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and an additive-free diesel particulate filter. All BLUETEC models from Mercedes-Benz have the potential to continue to comply with the strictest exhaust emission limits in the future too.

The S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID delivers 150 kW/204 hp and a maximum torque of 480 Newton metres from its new 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine, coupled to a 15 kW/20 hp hybrid module. When combined with the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Even with this superior performance, fuel consumption stands at just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a mere 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre ‑ 57 grams, or some 30 per cent, less than the current best saloon in the S-Class segment anywhere in the world.

The S-Class uses the version of BLUETEC with AdBlue injection system. Thanks to this unique combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology, which delivers the most economical and environmentally-compatible premium cars in the world, the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards applicable anywhere in the world in the future too – for example, the European EU6 standard or the U.S. 50-state BIN5 standard.

The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor, which also serves as starter motor and generator. The system offers double benefits: on the one hand it helps in many ways to save fuel, while on the other hand it increases driving enjoyment yet more.

The main reason for the increased driving enjoyment is what is known as the boost effect, whereby the electric motor supports the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase with a maximum extra torque of 160 Newton metres. With this high torque the electric motor assists the combustion engine heartily when accelerating from very low engine speeds. As a result, the combustion engine itself needs less time and energy to build up its maximum torque. The only thing the driver notices from this synergy of the two power units is a supremely effortless power output whenever he or she starts off.

The hybrid module also features a convenient start/stop function which switches the engine off whenever the vehicle stops, for example at traffic lights. Once the vehicle is ready to move off again, the electric motor starts the main engine again so gently that it goes virtually unnoticed. This of course also contributes to fuel savings and is kind to the environment: since the engine starts virtually immediately, practically no unburned fuel is discharged when starting off. When decelerating, on the other hand, the electric motor functions as a generator, and can recover braking energy in what is known as the recuperation process. This energy is stored in a powerful but compact lithium-ion battery pack in the engine compartment, ready for use when required. The management of this complex system is governed by a powerful control unit, which is also installed close to the engine.

Mercedes-Benz milestones in its future eco-friendly strategy:

Mercedes-Benz provided 2007 IAA International Motor Show visitors with a taster of the future of the luxury long-distance saloon: the F 700 research car with innovative DIESOTTO drive combines the very best of the diesel and petrol engine to comfortably deliver the lowest fuel consumption in the history of the petrol-engined car. Thanks to turbocharging and the hybrid module, its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine delivers combined maximum power of 190 kW/258 hp whilst consuming just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions of 127 grams per kilometre).