In Chicago, Mercedes-Benz dealers are buzzing with excitement over the next generation S-Class.  After lagging behind its competitors in the luxury green vehicle market, Mercedes-Benz announced that for the first time, the popular S-Class sedan would be available as a plug-in hybrid.

Always featuring the latest technological innovation from Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class promises to deliver low CO2 emissions, along with an impressive fuel economy of 70 miles per gallon. This can only be made possible by having its weight significantly reduced, as well as by advances in aerodynamic design and technology.

Around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz dealers are looking forward to being able to offer a full-sized luxury sedan that can deliver such great fuel economy, without compromising the class, luxury, and elegance that we have come to expect from the S-Class.  Drivers need not worry that the green technology will mean less power; it is actually quite the opposite.  The 2012 hybrid plug-in will offer over 10% more power, and an extra 25% torque. Also, it is estimated to be able to run over 15 miles on electricity alone.

In order to get a taste of what the 2012 S-Class may offer around Chicago, used Mercedes dealers will have the S400 Hybrid on display, the vehicle most closely resembling the promised S-Class hybrid plug-in. The S400 available at your local used Mercedes dealer can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, and has a fuel economy of 19/26 miles per gallon (city/highway).  Just when you thought it could not get any better, remember that the 2012 S-Class promises to top the S400 by going 0-60 miles per hour in under six seconds, while completely blowing the S400 out of the water in the fuel economy department by delivering an estimated 70 miles per gallon.

This technological innovation and luxury however will not come cheap. While the S400 Hybrid may already be out of reach to some with the base price at just under $90,000, the 2012 S-Class hybrid plug-in is expected to be significantly more expensive than that. Some find this a bit ironic, given that drivers who can actually afford this vehicle, may not actually be worried about its fuel efficiency of the vehicle given that they are most likely not worried about fuel costs.