2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid First Impressions

Well, we should probably ask our southern neighbors. After all, the automaker could have released the S350 CDI on the North American market, a car that averages 7.6 L/100 km. However, such achievement is the result of a diesel engine, which Americans still associate with harshness, lack of refinement, noise and unpleasant smells. They believe it's only good for a Mack truck or Freightliner.

In fact, this narrow-minded vision is also the reason why the second-generation smart fortwo switched from diesel to gasoline before landing on our shores...

The S550 is one of six S-Class models that will hit the Canadian market in late summer of 2009.

Yet, there is hope. Based on some insinuations made by Mercedes-Benz representatives during the presentation, we're starting to think that the company will soon launch a global hybrid sedan equipped with a diesel.

Actually, judging from what they said, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is a sort of lab test or, if you prefer, a model used to gauge potential buyer interest (especially the Americans') in a three-pointed star hybrid. The feedback will make or break the development of a future diesel-electric sedan at Mercedes.
photo:Luc Gagné, Mercedes-Benz