Merc1

This is a good question. However with a planned S63 AMG coming next year and the S550/S600/S65 already on sale that might be enough models for the S-Class in the U.S. market. There is also "supposed" to be a S450 at some point, but with the S550 flying off the lots I doubt they'll go for a low hp (relative to the competition) edition of the S-Class this time around, I know I wouldn't. Keep the S-Class expensive and exclusive because a 335hp S450 is going to look pretty weak next to a 380hp LS460 especially when the Lexus will likely cost less. Ditto for the 360hp 750. I suspect the answer to the hybrid question will be provided when and if they decide to try and sell a S320 CDI in the U.S. I can't see a hybrid and a diesel and a diesel/hyrid would be to risky in the U.S. I predict we'll either get a S320 CDI or a Petrol Hybrid, but not both. I think they'll wait and see how the Lexus LS600hL does first. I can see MB offereing a diesel hybrid in Europe no doubt in 2008.

M