Looks like Mercedes-Benz is actually serious about meeting CAFE standards and not paying any more fines anymore.
The next iteration of the benchmark setting S-Class is expected to switch up its game under the hood and go hybrid only. At least for the U.S. This would likely mean the same fate for the new S-Class in Canada as well.
Apparently S400 hybrid sales are currently doing so well that it seemed only logical to hybridize the S-Class lineup. The S400 hybrid has a 3.5-liter V6 for 295 horsepower along with a mild electric motor assist. This is good enough to get the big heavy executive sedan 9L/100 kms combined. Not bad considering the gas version of the S550 get a 15.8L/100 kms city rating.
There will be one exception to the hybrid only rule being enforced on the S-Class however. AMG versions are expected to keep performance purists happy as they will stay gas only and deliver the same or better numbers that we are all used too. Except for mileage that is. The AMG S-Class currently gets 19.3 L/100 kms city. Yikes.