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New Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Mercedes S-Class (pictured) will arrive with a plug-in hybrid version in September We’ve known Mercedes were planning a plug-in hybrid version of the new S-Class as far back as 2009, and it now appears it will debut – as a 2014 model – at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. When Mercedes revealed the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept at Frankfurt in 2009, they had fitted it with a V6 petrol engine mated to a 44kw motor and a bank of lithium-ion batteries, and promised the hybrid S-Class would do 90mpg, have emissions of under 75g/km and manage 18 miles in EV mode. That means the hybrid S-Class would have performance comparable to the V8 petrol-engined S500 but attract no BIK or VED in the UK.

Video: J Mays walks us around Ford EcoSport

Earlier this month, Ford unveiled its EcoSport compact SUV at the Delhi Auto Expo. The B-segment crossover is a key component in the brand's ‘One Ford' global strategy, underlined by the fact it was designed in Brazil under the direction of Joa Marcos De Oliveira Ramos. Here Ford's Group Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer, J Mays, talks us through the five design elements of the car.

Mercedes-Benz OKs the CLS wagon

Mercedes-Benz will launch a wagon version of the second-generation CLS sedan as a rival to the recently introduced BMW 5-series GT and the upcoming Audi A7. The new four-door--presaged by the German carmaker's 2008 Concept Fascination two-door shooting brake revealed at that year's Paris motor show--is among a throng of niche-market models under consideration by Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche. "We're seeking to improve our returns by better utilization of existing platforms," a high-ranking Mercedes source told AutoWeek.