The Stuttgart-based constructor will premiere, along with the next generation of the S-Klasse, the introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The idea is simple-the car runs with the help of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The system also carries rechargeable batteries, so the car could easily be recharged by connecting it to an AC socket. Compared to normal HEVs(Hybrid Electric Vehicle) like the current S 400 HYBRID, the electric motor from the future PHEV(Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) S-Klasse will be capable of delivering higher output and torque numbers, thus improving the overall performance. The innovative technology behind this eco-friendly powering solution will enable the S-Klasse to score an impressive '< 100 g/km of CO2' level.
However, the plug-in hybrid technology is still very expensive to implement and so it will remain in the near future;that is why Mercedes-Benz has decided to offer it, for the beginning, only for the next generation S-Klasse. But, there's still the prospect of showcasing the plug-in hybrid powertrain on several other models(in maybe 5 to 10 years from now on).
Mercedes-Benz has excluded the possibility of a full-electric S-Klasse version, due to the low drive autonomy of such a configuration, which would most certainly affect the proverbial quality of the Mercedes-Benz flagship, famous for the ultra-comfortable ride and the sophisticated systems it sports.
At the 2009 edition of the IAA Frankurt, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the VISION S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID, a study that previews the future series production environmentally safe technologies.
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