The ML450 hybrid, one of the first hybrids from Mercedes.
Following the luxury hybrid trend
In about 2 years every Mercedes C Class vehicle could be a hybrid vehicle according to recent rumors. In addition, Mercedes hopes to reduce C Class weight by several hundred pounds, despite adding a heavy battery pack to the lineup’s vehicles.
With other luxury lineups making similar moves, an all hybrid C-Class isn’t really too surprising.
Toyota has suggested that its Lexus brand will continue to become more and more hybridized and already there two hybrid-only Lexus models.
Likewise, Ford has suggested that eventually its Lincoln brand could become a hybrid-only brand, while GM’s Buick brand could soon find the E-Assist hybrid powertrain as its base powertrain option.
Nevertheless, this continues to make me wonder, Are hybrids and EVs only for the rich?
Yes, hybrids still need the wealthy to buy them because its not yet economically smart with low gas prices.
As long as capacity is limited, marginal profit dictates where the hybrid power-trains get deployed. Being green is still the high-road luxury of wealth, especially in a short-sighted society. Unfortunately, people that can afford expensive cars usually want luxury. That translates into heavier cars and less fuel efficiency.