It’s thought that Lotus specialists have been helping with the final tweaks on the car's highly complex switching mechanism, which controls the activation of the drivetrain’s electric motors. These motors are incorporated into the car’s transmission between the engine and the gearbox.

The production version of the car will be shown at the Frankfurt show in September, with the new hybrid transmission hooked up to a 268bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The total power – with the assistance of the electric motor - will be nearly 300bhp and an average 35mpg.

Mercedes will also be rolling out an S-Class diesel hybrid. A new 168bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel fitted with the Bluetec ‘de-smogging’ exhaust treatment technology.  Mercedes will have its road-ready petrol-electric S-class hybrid limousine on show at the Frankfurt motor show this September.

The Stuttgart-based car maker is keen to minimise Lexus's headstart in the luxury hybrid-electric niche of the new LS600h, and to strengthen its flagship line-up with a model that will have immediate appeal to environmentally-aware buyers. However, it won't be the only climate-friendly S-class on show in Frankfurt, it appears.

Source: AutoCar