Mercedes-Benz is finally ready to launch its S400 Hybrid sedan. We first saw the mild hybrid vehicle over a year ago when the German automaker announced it for production. About two months ago at the Chicago Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz told us the hybrid would be going on sale in the United States at some point in the summer. Now, that date gets whittled down even further with MB suggesting the car could be set for an on-sale date in August of this year alongside the rest of the restyled S-Class lineup.

The S400 Hybrid is the German automaker’s first series-production vehicle that uses a hybridized powertrain. Unlike the 2-Mode ML450 Hybrid that is also on schedule for production later this year, the S400 uses a mild hybrid drivetrain with a 20 HP disk-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the 305 HP 3.5L V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission. A lithium ion battery pack will provide power for the electric motor along with the rest of the car’s electrical needs. Press release after the break.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]