Mercedes to launch lithium-ion hybrid in 2009

FRANKFURT, Feb 29 (Reuters) - Daimler's (DAIGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz, will launch an S-Class hybrid equipped with a lithium-ion battery next year in what Daimler said on Friday was a crucial technological breakthrough.

"The Stuttgart-based automaker is the world's first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications," it said in a statement.

The main advantages of the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hybrid batteries such as those powering the Toyota (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Prius, according to Daimler.

The S 400 BlueHYBRID, powered by a 299 horsepower engine that enables it to sprint from 0 to 100 km per hour in 7.3 seconds, would consume on average only 7.9 litres of gasoline per 100 km.

Carbon dioxide emissions amount to 190 grams per kilometre -- a very low value for this vehicle and power class.

This compares with 10.3 litres of gasoline and emissions of 247 grams per km in a comparable conventional S-Class.

Daimler said this would make it "the world's most economical luxury sedan -- unrivalled by any gasoline, diesel, or hybrid drive system offered by any competitor".

The power to weight ratio of the battery is 1,900 watts per litre. It has a high ampere-hour efficiency, long service life, and is very reliable even at very low temperatures, the company said, adding its safety is the equal of that provided by today's auto batteries.

A spokesman for the company said the vehicle, which has not yet been priced, could possibly hit the market in the middle of next year.