Mercedes-Benz will launch ten plug-in hybrid models by 2017, says the German automaker’s parent company, Daimler.
Following the launch of the S500 plug-in hybrid, March saw the introduction of the C350 e, the second model to feature the drivetrain concept.
Under the new Mercedes-Benz nomen- clature, the letter ‘e’ replaces the words ‘plug-in hybrid’.
“Plug-in hybrids are a key technology on the road to the local emission-free future of the automobile,” says Professor Dr Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler management board responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development.
“Plug-in hybrids offer our customers the best of both worlds; in the city, they can drive in all-electric mode, while, on long journeys, they benefit from the combustion engine’s range.
“In addition, hybridisation makes the combustion engine more efficient and brings with it a special type of dynamic performance – making driving an absolute pleasure.”
Mercedes-Benz has opted to use the plug-in hybrid drive concept from its C-Class model upwards.
It is expected that the technology will soon make its entry into the sports utility vehicle segment, under the hood of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE.
‘Intelligent Modular Hybrid Concept’
Mercedes-Benz’s ‘intelligent modular hybrid concept’ is scalable, which allows it to be transferred to a large number of model series and body versions, as well as left- and right-hand-drive variants.
Through the expansion of its plug-in hybrid range, Mercedes-Benz Cars is stepping up the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its fleet.
At 129 g/km, its European fleet value for 2014 was 5 g lower than the year before. This is equivalent to an average consumption of 5.1 ℓ/100 km.
This means that Mercedes-Benz has lowered the CO2 emissions of its fleet in Europe by more than 40% within two vehicle generations.
Concept V-ision e, S500
With the Concept V-ision e, Mercedes-Benz has provided a preview of the development potential of the V-Class, a further model series set to use modular plug-in hybrid technology.
The twin-power source of petrol engine and electric motor delivers a system output of 245 kW (333 hp), with torque of up to 600 Nm.
This provides standard fuel consumption of less than 3 ℓ/100 km.
The van’s all-electric range is 50 km.
The new Mercedes-Benz C350 e offers a certified fuel consumption of 2.1 ℓ/100 km and an all-electric range of up to 31 km.
Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with the electric motor, gives it a total system output of 205 kW (279 hp), with torque of 600 Nm.
The S500 plug-in hybrid aims to blend hybrid drive with the luxury of the S-Class.
The long-wheelbase saloon offers a system output of 325 kW and 650 Nm of torque, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the all-electric range is 33 km.
The certified consumption is 2.8 ℓ/100 km, which is equivalent to 65 g of CO2/km.
The vehicle is expected make its debut in South Africa in September.