eMercedesBenz (Enlarge photo)

10/10/2008 02:43. "When it goes on sale in North America in September 2009, the S400 BlueHybrid likely will cost about the same as today's S550. The problem is, to the aver age shopper, it looks like the three-year-old S350. You can look for aerodynamic amendments or changes in ride height, but you'll be looking in vain. Only subtle BlueHybrid badges on the flanks and the trunk lid signal the high-tech driveline. Keener observers will spot new wheels and tires: 18-inch alloys with low-rolling-resistance Continental Contact 235/55R rubber.

Underneath, a lightly reworked version of the existing Mercedes 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine gains a new cylinder head, lightweight pistons and a reprofiled camshaft for altered valve timing. It does without the direct injection used on the CLS350's similar V6. Output... // eMercedesBenz