LONGER RANGE, MORE POWER, WE HAVE OUR EYES ON THE NEW MERCEDES HYBRID.
The third-generation hybrid transmission evolved on the basis of the 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The S-Class family growing, and the latest edition is something we're really excited to try, the new-generation plug-in hybrid.
The Mercedes S560e has an approximate all-electric range of 25 miles. The S560e Sedan debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt International Auto Show in September and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2019.
Plug-in hybrids represent a key move towards an emission-free future for the automobile industry, and will greatly shape the next 15 – 30 years.
The power electronics for the hybrid are now being housed in the engine compartment. Although the energy content has gone up by about 50%, the new battery is smaller than its older counterpart, making more room and increasing trunk capacity.
KEY FEATURES:
- the on-board 7.2-kW charger that allows for fast charging of the battery
- combines the 362 hp of the V6 spark-ignition engine with an electric output of 90 kW
- the electric motor was specially designed for the 9G-TRONIC plug-in hybrid transmission
- an approximate all-electric range of 25 miles
- the new lithium-ion battery has an increased rated capacity of 13.5 kWh
- ECO Assist takes the following traffic situations and information into account in its driving recommendations and efficiency strategy:
- Route profile (bends, junctions, roundabouts)
- Speed limits
- Distance from vehicles ahead
One of the most interesting parts of the hybrid is its intelligent drive smart technology. (Similar to that of the World Drive, but not automated)
The ECO Assist regulates the drive and situation as soon as the driver's foot leaves the accelerator. The driver is also given a visual prompt to do this by the appearance of a “release accelerator” symbol in the central display (or if installed, in the head-up display).
At the same time, a graphic will pop up, giving the driver the exact reason for the recommendation (i.e. “Junction ahead” or “Gradient ahead”). (It knows!)
What's more, it pushes the driver and aims to motivate the person driving to follow the recommendations of ECO Assist with the on-board computer by recording how many miles, and for how much time during a journey, the car has been driven with the engine switched off, and shows in the central display.
Why? It rewards the driver with facts like reduced fuel consumption, but also an increased electric range stat, etc.
Read the full article, here.