The Motoring World

The Motoring World

The third hybrid model of the new S-Class, the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID, sets new benchmarks with regard to efficiency as well as drive-system and climate comfort. With CO2 emissions of 69 g/km and returning 94.2 mpg the S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury saloons that just a few years ago was thought virtually impossible. In Germany the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID is referred to as a genuine 3.0-litre car as it can cover 100 kilometres with just three litres of fuel. The 80-kW electric drive with externally rechargeable battery makes emission-free driving for about 18 miles possible. It is combined with the new 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine. Mercedes-Benz will present the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The market launch will be next year. Prof Dr Thomas Weber, responsible on the Daimler Board of Management for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Product Engineering.

Under the conditions specified by the certification rules the S-Class as a full hybrid generates 69 g CO2 per kilometre. With consumption equivalent to 94.2 mpg the S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury saloons that just a few years ago was thought virtually impossible. It delivers these top values without restrictions in power, passenger comfort or operating range and offers a high level of climate comfort thanks to the pre-entry climate control functions. Top speed 155 mph, 0-62 mph in 5.5 sec. Individualisation possible as the result of the combination of the transmission modes with the four hybrid operating modes - HYBRID, E鈥慚ODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE. Haptic accelerator pedal for superior vehicle control: A point of resistance on the accelerator pedal provides feedback about the activation of the combustion engine and helps in metering the power output. The second-generation S-Class hybrids feature an anticipatory energy management system and thereby improve energy efficiency. The operating strategy of the hybrid drive system not only accounts for the current driving condition and driver input, but also adjusts to the likely route (inclines, downhill stretches, bends or speed limits) for the next five miles.

Intelligent HYBRID uses the navigation data from COMAND Online to manage the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery. The goal is, for example, to use the energy content of the battery for propulsion ahead of a downhill stretch in order to recharge it while going downhill using recuperation. The largest potential for lowering the energy consumption of hybrid drive systems lies in maximising energy recovery during coasting and braking. Upon depressing the brake pedal the deceleration is initially effected by the electric motor and not by the disc brakes. The new S-Class is the first to use a recuperative braking system (RBS) of the second generation. It ensures an unnoticeable overlapping of the conventional mechanical brakes and the electric braking performance of the electric motor in alternator mode. The driver's desired braking power is recorded by a pedal-travel sensor. The deceleration is dependent on the driving condition and is split into a recuperative brake-force portion and a portion to be supplied by the wheel brakes.

The brake pressure on the rear axle is controlled by the RBS dependent on the current recuperation potential of the powertrain. In addition, the combustion engine is switched off any time the vehicle is coasting and its drag torque when rolling is used by the electric motor as recuperation torque. However, without depressing the brake pedal no additional deceleration torque is provided for charging the battery and the vehicle can "sail". The combustion engine is to be used for charging the battery as little as possible and only at suitable and most efficient operating points. The world's first standard-specification hybrid drive with lithium-ion battery debuted at Mercedes-Benz as early as 2009: the S 400 HYBRID was the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered luxury saloon for a long time. And the most successful hybrid in its segment: some 20,000 buyers worldwide opted for the S 400 HYBRID. With the new S-Class Mercedes-Benz now continues its comprehensive hybrid offensive. The new S 400 HYBRID returns 44.8 mpg on the NEDC cycle (combined). This represents a reduction by 20 per cent over the predecessor. CO2 emissions of 147 grams per kilometre also represent a new record in this vehicle segment. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with outstanding performance potential: the petrol engine develops 306 hp, while the electric motor adds another 27 hp. The torque of the combustion engine is 370 Nm plus 250 Nm from the electric motor. In the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2鈥憀itre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 204 hp with the powerful hybrid module developing 27 hp. Consequently Mercedes-Benz has, over the course of ten years, nearly cut fuel consumption in the 150-kW performance class by half.

Written by Mark Bursa. The pressure to clean up the air quality in major cities is intense - and any public transport vehicle is seen as a soft target. Just look at the proposed tightening of London rules from 2018. While the target of 鈥渆lectrically capable鈥?vehicles might be difficult to achieve, it鈥檚 certain that CO2 targets will continue to be tightened. It鈥檚 clear that getting under 100g/km is going to be a pre-requisite in order to get licensed - and there鈥檚 still a limited selection of decent-sized cars that can do that. In the C300 BlueTec Hybrid model, Mercedes engineers have adapted the diesel hybrid powertrain of the E300 BlueTec Hybrid to fit the smaller and much lighter car. In real world terms, of course, those figures are impossible to achieve. Previous C-Classes have been seen as a little cramped in the back - they鈥檝e been geared toward attacking the BMW 3-series/Audi A4 sales rep sector.