Mercedes to Spread Plug-In Hybrids Across Lineup
Mercedes is planning to sell just about every vehicle that it makes with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
“We will have a plug-in hybrid version of every volume model,” R&D chief Thomas Weber told Automotive News. The next models to receive electrified powertrains will be the current C-class, the next E-class and replacement models for the GLK-class and the M-class. By 2020, the brand’s smaller vehicles, like the CLA-class and GLA-class will also offer plug-in hybrid power.
The German brand has already shown off the S550 plug-in hybrid that achieves 2.8 l/100 km (about 84 mpg) on the European cycle. It uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque paired with an electric motor generating 114 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes S550 Plug-In Hybrid Details
Details on the upcoming C350 plug-in have also come to light, revealing it will use a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 80-hp electric motor. All-electric driving range is said to be about 20 miles, while the fuel economy rating will surely be even better than the S550 plug in.
All of the different plug-in hybrid models will get their hybrid bits from a common parts bin. Both four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines can be mated to the plug-in hybrid setup which can also support all-wheel drive.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in Hybrid
[Source: Automotive News]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Too bad they are still saddling cars with gasoline engines when Tesla has proven you can build a high performance long range EV. We decided not to buy an S550 but wait for an AWD Model S instead after test driving one and I bet we are not alone. After driving a P85 anything made by Mercedes with a puttering gasoline engine and a transmission shifting gear cogs seems archaic. If they ever build a 300 mile range high performance S class, it will sell very well but that would likely not make the dealers happy as such a car would hardly need any servicing.
Even the A-Class? I don't think that one will need a hybrid option