After unveiling the S560e Sedan at this year's
Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes have announced that their new luxury plug-in
hybrid is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in 2019.
The S560e features an innovative hybrid drive unit,
where the torque converter, clutch and electric motor are all housed together.
Also, the hybrid transmission evolved on the basis of Mercedes' 9G-Tronic Plus
automatic.
Thanks to this setup, the S560e is said to offer
"smooth, effortless acceleration" in hybrid mode. As for the car's
all-electric range, it's rated at 40 km, making daily city driving
more economical.
Compared to previous hybrid models, the S560e has
more space in the boot thanks to the power electronics being housed in the
engine compartment, while the new 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery's dimensions are
smaller than those of its predecessor.
Among the S560e's most impressive features is ECO
Assist, as well as the extended pre-entry climate control, which allows the driver
to modify the temperature inside the car via an app. ECO Assist on the other
hand displays driving recommendations and continuously generates coasting
simulations in the background.
With the S560e now replacing the older S550e, it
joins the rest of the Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid U.S. range, which includes
the C350e Sedan, GLE550e, GLC350e. Globally, Mercedes also offers the C350e
Estate and long-wheelbase model, GLC350e Coupe and the E350e Sedan.
