Diesel Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec coming to the U.S. in 2011

In an attempt to reduce its over fuel-economy consumption figure for its lineup, the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid will be joined by the 2011 Mercedes-Benz 350 BlueTec next year in the United States.
The S350 BlueTec is powered by an upgraded version of the company’s 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 unit making 241-hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. While that will give the S350 the least horsepower in the S-Class lineup, the model will have the highest torque, save for the AMG models. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and will have 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is on sale now with prices starting at $87,950. Power comes from a 3.5L V6 mated to a compact hybrid module helping it produce 295-hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 19/26 mpg (city/highway).
There is no word yet on fuel-economy figures for the Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec. Prices will be announced closer to launch.
– By: Kap Shah
Source: Mercedes-Benz (via WOT)