Daimler seems intent on producing and selling a plug-in hybrid version of its S-Class sedan. It’s way too early to know what the price will be, but we can look to Mercedes’s marketing strategy for its S-Class conventional hybrid for an indication of what the plug-in hybrid version might cost.

On a positive note, the hybrid version of the S-Class is the least expensive of all vehicles in that segment. The bad news is that it’s $91,000. The extra cost of batteries, and likely limited production numbers, will easily push the S500 plug-in hybrid over $100,000. That means it will stack up against the Tesla Roadster, the big-battery version of the Tesla Model S, Fisker Karma, and other potential EVs from luxury brands such as Infiniti and Cadillac. Put a reminder on your calendar to check back in mid- to late-2012.