18/09/2008 15:13. The long-awaited Mercedes S400 hybrid has finally been officially unveiled, and the results are somewhat surprising. While the S400 BlueHYBRID is still billed as the first series-production car to market with a purpose-built lithium-ion battery, it's not as impressive a hybrid system as may have been anticipated.

Due for launch in Europe in June of 2009 followed by China in August and the U.S. in September, the S400 BlueHYBRID hasn't yet been priced, but can be expected to command a premium over the S350, which starts at $198,810 before taxes and fees. It should slot in below the S500, however, perhaps splitting the difference for a final price around $235,000.

By combining a 205kW 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 15kW electric motor, the S400 BlueHYBRID is what most would call a 'mild'... // CarCental