Mercedes has
introduced new C- and E-Class plug-in hybrids. Set to go on sale this summer,
the models will be equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine, a nine-speed automatic
transmission and a third-generation hybrid system. Mercedes was coy on
specifics but confirmed the models will have a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and
an electric motor that produces 122 PS and 440 Nm of
torque.
This will give the models an electric-only range of
approximately 50 km and a total torque output of 700 Nm.
The cars will also be able to hit speeds of up to 140 km/h while being
driven by electricity.
Speaking of electric power, the plug-in hybrids will
be equipped with a new on-board charger which doubles the charging rate from
3.6 kW to 7.2 kW. Thanks to the improved system, the battery can be fully
recharged in approximately two hours when used in conjunction with the
company’s new Wallbox charger. However, drivers using a “conventional domestic
power socket” will need approximately seven hours to fully recharge the
battery.
Mercedes also revealed the third-generation hybrid
system will gather data from the navigation system, camera and the radar sensor
to “look ahead, well beyond the driver’s field of vision, and adjust to the
specific speed/route profile.” The company says this helps the system to take
various factors into account while planning how much electrical energy to apply
and how much to recuperate. Another nice feature on the hybrids is the electric
refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster. This will enable
owners to cool or warm their car before ever stepping foot inside.
The models will come with four-different modes
including a default Hybrid setting. Other options include an E-Mode for using
electricity and an E-Save mode for saving the battery for a later point in the
journey. There’s also a Charge setting which will charge the battery while the
car is being driven.
