Mercedes-Benz developing new drive systems
DUBAI, December 22, 2015
Mercedes-Benz is developing alternative drive systems to meet the growing demand for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, as the importance of fuel efficiency and environmental awareness in the Middle East grows.
Consistently at the forefront of technological advancements, Mercedes-Benz has been doing research into mixed and alternative drive systems for more than 118 years, and applying new innovations and refinements to every new generation of model launched.
Dirk Fetzer, director of sales and marketing at Daimler Middle East and Levant, said: “With a number of countries in the GCC holding top spots globally for the biggest ecological footprints in the world, public awareness of the importance of environmental protection is growing. So too, is the pressure to adopt alternative sources of energy to power vehicles.
"At Mercedes-Benz, we like to sum up our approach to sustainability in two words: acting responsibly. Alternative drive systems are the future of the automotive industry, for both fuel efficiency and environmental factors.”
“In addition to reduced fuel consumption and engines powered by environmentally friendly fuels, Mercedes-Benz hybrid and plug-in hybrid models continue to deliver the same exceptional performance thanks to improved acceleration and quiet running,” said Fetzer.
Mercedes-Benz has made a strong statement in the Middle East region with their Hybrid model – S 400 h and Plug-In Hybrid models - S 500 e and GLE 500 e.
With the new S 400 h, the world's first series production car to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery, Mercedes-Benz is emphatically underlining its claim to leadership with respect to design, comfort, innovation and environmental compatibility.
The combination of a further improved V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes this model the world's most efficient luxury saloon with a petrol engine. Its fuel consumption of 6.3-6.8 litres per 100 km (NEDC combined) corresponds to a remarkable 21-percent reduction over its predecessor.
The combined output is 245 kW/299 hp, with a combined maximum torque of 620 newton metres. The S 400 h accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of around 250 km/h – environmentally compatible drive systems and outstanding performance are not necessarily a contradiction in terms.
The S-Class hybrid offers all the advantages of this drive concept: a comfortable ECO start/stop function automatically switches the engine off when the S-Class comes to a stop - for example at traffic lights.
The automaker is offering a plug-in hybrid model, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC drive combines the power and refinement of a V6 engine, with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV.
The drive system comprises a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 245 kW (333 hp) and a hybrid module with 85 kW (116 hp) of electric power. The system peak torque is a massive 820 Newton metres.
Meanwhile, the new Mercedes-Benz S 500 e blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment of the S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S 500 e offers a system output of 330 kW and 820 Nm torque, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and can drive up to 33 km purely electrically.
The certified consumption is 2.8 litres/100 km, which corresponds to 65 g CO2/km emissions. Key elements of this impressive output are the V6 biturbo and the intelligent hybrid drive. The high-voltage battery of the S 500 e can be charged via maximum external charging capacity electricity using a 3.6 kW on-board charger.
The unit is permanently installed in the vehicle and charges single-phase up to 16 A. The connection for the charging cable is located under a flap in the rear bumper underneath the tail light on the right-hand side. An automatic lock ensures that the cable cannot be separated from the vehicle by unauthorised persons.
The new S-Class can be charged in two hours via fast charging power socket such as wallbox or at a public charging station where available. Alternatively, charging via house connection is also possible. - TradeArabia News Service
