The third hybrid model in the new Mercedes-Benz S-class range, the S500 plug-in hybrid, has been revealed at the Frankfurt motor show.
The car is powered by a new 329bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine combined with an 80kW electric motor. The combustion engine puts out 354lb ft of torque, while the electric motor is capable of producing up to 251lb ft. The car has a limited top speed of 155mph.
Mercedes says that the S500 is capable of driving up to 18.6 miles on electric power alone. Running in full hybrid mode allows the S500 to achieve CO2 emissions of 69g/km, and return 94.2mpg.
Other features on the new car include a second-generation regenerative braking system, which also allows the engine to be switched off when the car is coasting, with the excess energy from the wheels being used to charge the lithium-ion batteries. The S500's batteries are reported to have ten times the storage capacity of previously announced Mercedes hybrid models, including the S400 and S300 BlueTEC.
Mercedes has also fitted the S500 hybrid with its anticipatory energy management system, which prepares the car according to the next eight kilometres of road using data from the on-board navigation software. The goal, says Mercedes, is for increased efficiency - where for example the electric motor could be used to power the car along a downhill stretch of road.
Drivers can select from four hybrid driving modes in the new car, seperated into normal hybrid, electric power only, electric power save and charge modes.
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