The long-awaited Mercedes S400 hybrid has finally been officially unveiled. It might look just like an ordinary S-Class, but the new S400 BlueHYRBID is a major milestone in the development of the hybrid luxury car. This vehicle is also the automaker’s very first hybrid car.

You will recognize the basics from the existing Mercedes-Benz S350. Unlike the more familiar hybrid models from Lexus, however, the S400 BlueHybrid does not possess an ability to run exclusively on electric power. By combining a 279 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 20 horsepower electric motor, the S400 BlueHYBRID is what most would call a "mild" hybrid. That power is routed through a seven-speed automatic transmission and is enough to give the S400 a great acceleration, from 0-6 in 7.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The S400 BlueHYBRID features newly designed high-voltage lithium-ion cells and an associated cooling system. Mercedes claims the batteries will be good for up to 600,000 cycles, or for over 10 years.

The S400 BlueHYBRID is intended to hit the European market in June 2009 followed by China in August and the U.S. in September. The price of the S400 BlueHYBRID is still unknown.

Please let us know your thoughts on the new S400 BlueHYBRID? Do you think it can compete with the Lexus LS 600h? Do you think "mild" hybrids are worth the money?

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