Mercedes-Benz S 500e plug-in hybrid
Mercedes-Benz in South Africa has introduced the S500e plug-in
hybrid in tandem with the launch of the C300e. The S500e combines a V6 biturbo
petrol motor with an 8.7 kWh electric motor for a total power output of 442 Hp and 650 Nm of torque. The S500e is capable of operating on its electric motor
alone for up to 33 km and in perfect conditions, the S500e is claimed to
consume just 2.8 L/100 km.
The first-class Sindelfingen hybrid has two modes of
charging from a wall socket via a cable and plug, as well as through braking
energy regeneration, where applying the brakes recuperates some of the battery
power. The system within will also top up the battery when
free-wheeling or coasting. The total weight of the lithium-ion battery is 114
kg and takes up 96 litres of space. Mercedes-Benz says it is working on a
wireless charging solution as well.
The standard spec of the cabin now includes a
pre-entry climate control system. The system can be controlled via the Mercedes
Connect Me app and allows the driver to set the cabin temperature from outside
the car.
In order to strengthen customers' trust in the new plug-in drive technology, for the S 500 e Mercedes-Benz is issuing a ‘warranty’
on performance characteristics of the high-voltage battery and plug-in hybrid
components. This ensures that every technical malfunction within a period of
six years after initial delivery or registration, or up to a mileage of 100,000
kilometres, is corrected by Mercedes-Benz.
As of September 2016, the Mercedes-Benz S500e costs
R 1,875,000 and comes with a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
