With the launch of two hybrid models in 2009, Mercedes-Benz has announced it will add two more hybrids to its lineup starting in 2011. More impressive, is that neither is a run-of-the-mill type of hybrid.

Due out first is the E300 BlueTec Hybrid, based on the new E-Class model. It will be a hybrid and as the name suggests, will use Mercedes’ BlueTec diesel technology. This may be the first diesel-hybrid to launch in North America. It will get an impressive 40 mpg.

Following that model, Mercedes plans to launch a plug-in hybrid S-Class, similar to the one foreshadowed with the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid, which debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year.  Thanks to a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 60-hp/184 ft-lb electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of getting an amazing 73.5 mpg! Possibly more shocking is that the car doesn’t sacrifice performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Additionally, the electric motor will be able to power the car emissions-free for 18 miles.

Already launched are the S400 Hybrid and the ML450 Hybrid. The S400 Hybrid was the first Mercedes hybrid to go on sale and is also the first mass production automobile to use a lithium-ion battery. Priced at $87,950 it uses an electric motor and 3.5-liter gasoline V6 to produce 295-hp, while getting mileage of 19/26 mpg – an improvement of 26 percent over the S550 in the city. Despite its high-tech battery pack, the S400 Hybrid is a mild-hybrid, which limits its fuel economy.

The second hybrid model from Mercedes is the ML450 Hybrid 4MATIC. A lease-only model, for either 36 or 60 months, at either $659 or $549 per month, the ML450 is the first two-mode hybrid (like the Toyota Prius) from Mercedes. The ML450 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to make 335-hp and 381 ft-lbs of torque. Unlike the S400 Hybrid, it will be able to operate exclusively on electric power for short periods of time. Its fuel economy is rated at 21/24 mpg (city/highway), which is roughly the same as the ML350 Bluetec diesel at 18/25 mpg. This is also a 46 percent improvement over the fuel economy rating of the similarly-powerful ML550.

While a Mercedes-Benz is known for being luxurious, fast and expensive, the German automaker wants to draw attention to the many safety features it currently offers as well as the ones it is developing. With the launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes introduced numerous new safety programs and now it has created an Experimental Safety Vehicle called the ESF 2009, based on the upcoming S400 Hybird.

Of the dozen new safety features on the ESF 2009, five are particularly worth noting. These include the: Pre-Safe Structure, the Braking Bag, Interactive Vehicle Communication, Pre-Safe Pulse and the Spotlight lighting function.

The Pre-Safe structure is a metal structure that fits inside the doors (or other places) and is unfolded by a blast of pressurized air in the case of an accident. This would not only protect passengers, but it would allow for more compact packaging of the vehicle.

The Braking Bag is easily the most interesting feature on the ESF 2009. This air bag-type balloon is deployed under the car in an emergency braking situation. It is coated in a high-friction surface, which helps to slow the car, while at the same time helping to keep it level. In fact, the bag actually raises the front of the car, compensating for the “dive” typically experienced during such extreme braking, and ensuring that if the car does it another vehicle, the impact will be at the bumper.

Additionally, the Interactive Vehicle Communication system will let the ESF 2009 communicate with other cars on the road, relaying information about poor weather conditions or objects on the road. The Pre-Safe Pulse system works by moving the torso of an individual forward by 50 mm (by moving the seatback) in an accident to reduce the impact-force by one-third. Finally, the ESF 2009′s Spotlight lighting function works with the Mercedes Night View Assist Plus to essentially put a spotlight on an object (such as a deer or pedestrian) that has run onto the road. Using specific LED lights it would bring to a driver’s attention something that would normally be outside the range of the headlights.

“Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. For the benefit of our customers and for road users in general. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will, to lead the automobile industry in this field even in future,” says Mercedes CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsch.

The ESF 2009 made its world-premiere today at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Stuttgart, Germany.

See a video of the Braking Bag in action below.

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Official release after the jump:

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