Mercedes debuted the “Tree of Innovation” commercial during the Oscar presentation on Sunday. You may have seen it a few times since! It is just a small sample of all the green technology that Mercedes has brought to the marketplace!

The 2010 S400 HYBRID has met the Federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit Program requirements as a hybrid motor vehicle. As a result, all purchase customers qualify for the $1150 tax credit. This is regardless of income and tax situation, claimed on your Income Tax Return, and applies only to purchased (not leased) vehicles.

Tax credit amount : 2010 S400 HYBRID $1,150

I also just finished some training on the S400 HYBRID and it is very impressive. With a base price nearly $20,000 lower than the only other competitor, the Lexus LS Hybrid, and this tax credit that the Lexus can’t use, the S400 is a fantastic value. The technology for the new Lithium Ion batteries is groudbreaking and allows us to have a normal sized trunk as opposed to toting around a trunk full of batteries. Also, at 19 MPG in the city the S400 offeres a 26% increase in fuel economy over the S550.

I have two S400 HYBRIDs in stock here at Atlanta Classic Cars and would be happy to demonstrate the benefits of a luxurious, efficient and affordable S-Class.

(Don’t forget…Mercedes-Benz diesels also qualify for tax credits.)

7.9 Liters/100Km = 30mpg

SPLITVIEW display – fyi 7.9L/100Km = 29 mpg

Here is the information from the preliminary Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 S-Class. This is a preliminary version and is subject to change at any point. Pricing has not been announced.

New front and rear bumpers, front (Bi-Xenon) and rear (LED) lights, grille, mirrors, exhaust, and wheels
New Paint Colors: Diamond White, Palladium Silver
Enhanced wood trim and door coverings
New seat structure and stitch patterns
Enhanced instrument cluster display
New 19″ and 20″ wheels (optional)
New Direct-steer system
Reduced noise, vibration, harshness
New multi-color ambient lighting

Enhanced COMAND system, including:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
HD Digital Radio®
Gracenote® media database
In-dash SD memory card reader
Media interface (iPod, auxiliary input jack, USB)

Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation
New Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor
Enhanced PRE-SAFE® system
New child rear door safety locks
New Adaptive Highbeam Assist system (P1 Package)
New Driving Assistance Package, including Lane Keeping Assist (standard on S600 and S65)
New Night View Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection (optional)
New PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
DISTRONIC PLUS (with PRE-SAFE® Brake)
Blind spot assist
Lane Keeping Assist

Sport Package plus one (standard on S600, S63 and S65)
Sport bodystyling (front and rear bumpers, side skirts)
20″ AMG 5-spoke wheels with all-season tires
Dual chrome exhausts

Rear Seat Entertainment Package (standard on S600 and S65)
Rear seat video system (dual-source DVD with wireless headphones)
Two remote controls

S400 Hybrid Added to Line-up
3.5L V6 Mild-hybrid
AIRMATIC air suspension with
Adaptive Damping System (ADS II)
Heated14-way power adjustable front seats with pneumatic lumbar support
Dark Burl Walnut wood trim
Nappa leather steering wheel

The Alternative Motor Vehicle credit (30b) that can be used to get a tax credit for purchasing one of our diesel SUVs has been improved by the stimulus bill. You can now claim the full credit amount regardless of your personal tax situation and income. This change applies to BlueTEC SUVs purchased after January 1st, 2009.

Important notes on the tax credit:
Must be purchased, not leased
The credit is claimed on your Income Tax Returns, not at time of sale
The upcoming ML450 and S400 hybrids will qualify for the same program, amounts to be determined.
Toyota/Lexus are no longer eligible for these credits
2009 ML320 BlueTEC qualifies for $900 credit
2009 GL320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1800 credit
2009 R320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1550 credit

This is a great video with some more information about the upcoming S400 Hybrid.

160Newton Meters = 118 Lb-Ft of Torque
Mercedes plans to release the 2010 S400 BlueHYBRID for sale in the United States this fall. The vehicle will look almost identical to the S550 but should average about 30 miles per gallon and lower emissions substantially!

The S400 will use a “mild hybrid” system that allows the battery to provide a boost to the engine when running and also restart the engine when it shuts off at a stop. Mercedes is using is a Lithium Ion battery pack, which is lighter and more efficient than the usual nickel-metal-hydride battery other manufacturers are using. The German Automobile Association and Europe’s largest car club, the ADAC, awarded its Yellow Angel award for the Innovation & Environment category for the use of this lithium ion battery technology. I thought this article from HybridCars.com was informative.

Fifth Gear recently reviewed a Smart Car that uses this shutting-off-at-a-stop system and said it was seamless. This system is demonstrated at 2:30 min in.

If you would like to reserve a place on the order list at Atlanta Classic Cars, please get in touch!

FYI -160 Newton-Meters = 118 lb-ft of Torque
We are expecting the S400 Hybrid to arrive in the US in “mid-2009.” I do not yet have the options list or the pricing for this new model. I am very excited that Mercedes is rolling out new green technologies. I have always been a big fan of our clean diesels but right now the focus in the US has shifted to hybrids and I am sure Mercedes will do it better than anyone!