2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e

2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e

The Mercedes-Benz S-class sits at the top of its rarefied segment, with unmatched comfort and leading-edge technology that put it a step ahead of the competition from BMW and Audi. Now Stuttgart is rolling out a plug-in hybrid, the S560e, and the question is whether it brings further glory to the line or fails to support its good name. This is the second plug-in S-class, and this new version has a lithium-ion battery that is considerably larger than the one in the previous S-class hybrid. With its new battery, Mercedes says this plug-in hybrid can travel 30 miles without starting the internal-combustion engine. And the electric motor can silently propel the S560e at speeds up to 80 mph. Beyond that, the familiar twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 comes to life; it contributes 362 horsepower. It also powers the nonhybrid S450, yet it's not as silky smooth as the next-generation 3.0-liter inline-six that's already used in some Europe-market versions of the S-class. On paper, the S560e delivers excellent fuel economy (84 mpg in the optimistic European test cycle; U.S.

But once the battery is drained鈥攚hich can happen rather quickly depending on your driving style鈥攔eal-world fuel consumption has the potential to be no better than with a conventionally powered S-class. The S560e, then, makes the most sense for short trips, when you have the opportunity to recharge it as often as possible. Under that scenario, you might not need to refuel it for weeks. The diminutive trunk is another incentive to keep trips short. Due to the voluminous battery pack, luggage capacity shrinks considerably from the standard car's 16 cubic feet. But apart from that, the S560e offers all the advantages that make the S-class shine among the competitive set. Driver and passengers travel in extreme comfort and quiet, surrounded by opulent leather and wood trim. The details are beautifully finished, with the only off note being the three-spoke steering wheel, a pseudo-sporty styling element that seems misplaced. And S-class luxury is not merely sybaritic. Like its siblings, the S560e comes with an extensive list of all-around monitoring systems and driver assists that help you pilot this behemoth safely through the quagmire that is today's traffic. One of the best features of the current S-class is the multitude of engine choices. Beyond the entry-level V-6, there are V-8 and V-12 models, plus Maybach and AMG versions. 102,345 V-8-powered S560 when it arrives in U.S. 2019. The S560e is probably the best plug-in-hybrid luxury sedan on the market, but we would not call it the best S-class.

Mercedes-Benz promises affordable fuel costs too, with the A180d 116PS diesel returning an official 68.8mpg and 108g/km of CO2. Given the backlash against diesels, petrol power is far more prominent in the A-Class than before, despite most sales of the previous model going to the A180d. A new 1.3-litre engine features cylinder deactivation tech that saves fuel by switching from four to two-cylinders under light loads. As well as all-new mechanical underpinnings, the A-Class boasts an array of semi-autonomous tech that allows it to effectively drive itself under human supervision. Operated by a system of radar and cameras, the A-Class is able to control its speed, change lanes and read traffic signs. It also performs a full automatic emergency stop if required and applies the brakes if it detects a rear-end impact. Although the new A-Class might not look much different to its predecessor, it's a huge improvement in terms of the interior and how well it drives. Most buyers will go for the A180d and that's a fine choice, although the petrol engines are equally good. What's ultra-impressive is the technology on offer - although in true premium German car style, you'll have to be prepared to spend money on extras.

National promotion programmes in many countries and mobility benefits such as the use of special lanes or exemption from city congestion charges are further advantages of electric driving. With the attractive sale&care package and the significant technological progress for the third generation smart fortwo electric drive smart offers its customers affordable driving fun for daily use based on the environmentally friendly drive. Anyone interested can now register on www.smart.comwith no obligation and will receive all the latest news on the new electric smart. Customers in Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK who would like to be among the first owners of the new third generation smart fortwo electric drive can already reserve a vehicle in advance online. The reservation programme will start successively in further markets. Electric vehicles cut down greenhouse gases on a sustained basis, especially when they are powered by renewably generated electricity. With a larger radiator grille featuring the electric drive logo, stylish LED daytime driving lights below the headlamps, wider door sills and several modifications to the rear the new model is much more dynamic than its predecessor.

The new E-smart comes in all smart colours and colour combinations that are also available for the diesel and petrol models. The new colour fresh green is a particularly visible manifestation of electric driving fun. In addition to crystal white bodypanels the electric drive design package comprises white alloy rims, a green tridion cell, green mirror caps and numerous green accents in the interior, which form an attractive contrast to the black seats. As to be expected the new smart fortwo electric drive features extensive equipment. A highlight is the fully automatic air conditioning with pollen filter and pre-air conditioning. As with the second generation, when it is connected to the power network the vehicle can be pre-cooled or pre-heated as required for a programmed departure time. A new feature is the possibility to start the pre-air conditioning via the internet or a smartphone at any time. The standard equipment furthermore includes electric windows, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, the entry line radio, power steering, 9-spoke alloy wheels and a luggage compartment cover.