w222-my-1

We haven't seen the W222 at JPJ Putrajaya yet, nor is Mercedes-Benz going to be at KLIMS 2013 so we aren't likely to see it there, but nevertheless the car has been sighted on this trailer by reader Kuu Jiun. Although these images aren't high resolution enough to see it well, we're informed that the badge on the rear of the bootlid says Hybrid.

The W222 S400 Hybrid is powered by Mercedes-Benz's 306hp/370Nm 3.5 litre CGI engine that you will usually find in the S350 CGI, but here it is mated to a 27hp/250Nm electric motor, integrated between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox. Combined fuel consumption is rated at just 6.3l/100km, compared to the S500's 8.6l/100km.

The only other hybrid in its class is the ActiveHybrid 7L, which has a massive RM940k price tag. However, given Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's tendency to CKD the entire S-Class range (for the W221, even the S500 was CKD), there just might be a chance for the S400 Hybrid to be offered at a more interesting price tag, if the government can offer incentives for an CKD hybrid S-Class after the NAP revision, which is expected to give priority to CKD hybrids. After all, the government has offered partial exemptions for the ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 5 even though they are fully imported.

There is still the issue of what model will replace the popular entry level S300L in Malaysia at the RM600k to RM700k price point. Mercedes-Benz has not revealed any entry level engine yet, with the 'smallest' petrol engine we've heard of so far is the twin turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 in the upcoming S400L model, which we expect will take the place of the W221 S350L CGI here in Malaysia. Will the 231hp/300Nm 3.0 litre motor in the current S300 be continued?