The new S400 Hybrid will feature a 279hp (205kW) petrol V6 combined with a hybrid module delivering an additional 20hp (15kW) and 160Nm of torque. The combined maximum power output is 299hp (220kW) and the combined maximum torque amounts to 375Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds and top speed is remains limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption averages 30mpg (7.9L/100km) and CO2 emissions stands at 190g/km, a respectable figure given the size of the car.
Joining the new S400 Hybrid in 2009 will be the ML450 Hybrid SUV, which is being touted as the world’s most economical SUV petrol hybrid in its class. The new green-SUV features a two-mode hybrid system that can be driven with just the electric motor or combined with a 279hp (205kW) V6 petrol. Under the sheet metal reside two compact electric motors developing a total power output of 163hp (120kW). The vehicle also benefits from an engine start-stop feature, giving it a final fuel consumption figure of 31mpg (7.7L/100km).
Mercedes has confirmed the S400 will be the first mass production car to get lithium ion batteries. Li-ions have been delayed to the market due to safety issues and both Toyota and GM are currently developing their own cars based around these types of batteries. Since the S400 will only be a partial hybrid it won't be as dangerous as the large battery packs found in a full hybrid.
Mercedes has also used the unveiling of these two new models to announce its eco plans for the future. By 2010, the luxury label will have ultra-efficient Bluetec diesel-hybrids on the market as well as fuel-cell versions of the B-Class. In all, Mercedes unveiled 19 eco-friendly models at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
19 innovative models on the “Road to the Future”: Modular technology ensures a fuel-efficient and clean future for premium automobiles
At the 2007 IAA International Motor Show Mercedes‑ Benz is displaying an unrivalled variety of new, particularly economical and clean models with intelligently combined drive technologies. With 19 new models, among them seven hybrids from five different model series, and as many CO2 world champions - plus the trailblazing F 700 research vehicle - the brand with the three-pointed star is presenting its agenda for the future in Frankfurt.
Fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible premium automobiles that do not compromise on safety, comfort or supreme driving pleasure: this is the long-term objective of the development strategy defined by Mercedes-Benz under the heading “Road to the Future” which focuses uncompromisingly on sustainability. The development priorities along the way include modular drive technologies. First and foremost, optimised combustion engines with individually configured hybrid solutions that can be used singly or in combination, depending on the vehicle class, usage and customer.
At the IAA Mercedes-Benz is also displaying a number of new series-production models featuring the diesel emissions control system BLUETEC, which was already successfully launched in the United States in 2006. A modular drive concept, “BLUETEC HYBRID” makes possible the most economical and cleanest combustion-engine vehicles in the world. All six BLUETEC models shown in Frankfurt have the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards of the future, anywhere in the world, including the European EU6 and the American BIN5 standards. Frankfurt also marks the debut of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car with fuel-cell drive, which will go into production in 2010.
The modular concept means that innovative technologies can be introduced into all Mercedes-Benz model series in a flexible manner and with a minimum of delay. As Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG said: “In this way, we are giving our customers the certainty that their Mercedes will continue to meet even the highest expectations in terms of safety, comfort and assured performance - and do so in an environmentally compatible way that is quite unrivalled.”
F 700 with DIESOTTO: the best of both diesel and petrol engines
A very tangible idea of what the future holds in store for large premium saloons is given by the F 700 research vehicle. This features an innovative DIESOTTO engine that combines the best elements of both diesel and petrol engines. A turbocharger enables the 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit to deliver a rated output of 175 kW/238 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Newton metres; but when coupled with a 15 kW/20 hp hybrid module the DIESOTTO hybrid drive develops a combined maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp - yet the F 700 still only uses 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres.
The CO2 emissions of the F 700 - just 127 grams per kilometre - equal those of today’s diesel-powered compact models, making the F 700 a luxury model with the lowest petrol consumption of any saloon in the history of the car,” explains Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes Car Group Development. In spite of its unequalled low fuel consumption figures, the performance of the F 700 is on a par with that of a luxury model. It thus accelerates from a standstill to 100 km per hour in just 7.5 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC car from the end of 2007 onwards in Europe
First off the starting blocks on the Mercedes-Benz Road to the Future is the new E 300 BLUETEC. Following the successful launch in the United States of the world’s first BLUETEC passenger car - the E 320 BLUETEC, which was voted “World Green Car of the Year 2007” in the States - the technology to give us the cleanest diesel in the world is now about to arrive in Europe as well. The E 300 BLUETEC, the cleanest and most economical EU5 business-class diesel, comes to the European market in December 2007.
The R, ML und GL 320 BLUETEC models that follow in 2008 will be the first three diesel SUVs in the world that can meet the stringent American 50‑state BIN5 standard as having the potential to meet a future EU6 European emissions standard.
The full starting line-up on the “Road to the Future” underpins the determination of the Mercedes Car Group, and of Mercedes-Benz in particular, to give its customers the enjoyment of effortlessly superior and comfortable motoring in luxurious and safe cars that offer the highest levels of environmental compatibility.
Already “on the road”: smart fortwo ed with local zero-emission electric drive
The first 100 smart fortwo ed with “electric drive” are currently being tested in a large-scale pilot scheme in London. At the heart of the local zero-emission drive unit is a 30 kW/41 hp permanent magnet (PM) electric engine, which delivers a maximum torque of 140 Newton metres right from the moment the engine starts up. The smart fortwo ed therefore offers one of the cleanest ways of nipping around in city traffic, where it offers a range of up to 115 kilometres.
smart fortwo mhd with fuel-efficient petrol micro hybrid from 2007
From October 2007, the first of three different hybrid solutions exhibited by the Mercedes Car Group at the IAA in Frankfurt will be present in the smart mhd - or “micro hybrid drive”. With this technology, the fuel consumption of this economical three-cylinder petrol engine, which still develops an output of 52 kW/71 hp and a maximum torque of 92 Newton metres, drops from 4.7 to 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 103 grams per kilometre.
Study: smart fortwo cdi mhd new world CO2 champion with 78 g/km
With a fuel consumption of 3.3 litres per 100 km and a correspondingly low CO2 emissions level of 88 grams per kilometre, the smart cdi is currently the most economical and environment-friendly car in the world among series-production vehicles. At the IAA smart shows a further developed, cutting-edge diesel version, the smart cdi mhd. Thanks to its start-stop technology, with its 2.9 litres per 100 km, and 78 grams of CO2 per km, the smart fortwo cdi mhd sets the new world-wide benchmark. Of course, the smart fortwo cdi mhd features a closed-trap diesel particulate filter, which reduces particle emission to a barely-measurable level. And in terms of all the other exhaust gas components, the smart fortwo cdi mhd is so clean, that it undercuts the stringent EU5 limit values.
E 300 BLUETEC: cleanest diesel in the world to launch in Europe in December
This year will also see the launch on the European market by Mercedes-Benz of the cleanest and most economical EU5-compliant diesel in the executive category, in the shape of the E 300 BLUETEC. The most successful vehicle in its class will thus also be available in Europe with what is currently the world’s cleanest diesel technology. A combination of engine modifications, oxidation catalytic converter and particulate filter with BLUETEC technology – in this case with a high-durability NOx storage catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter - delivers exemplary values for all constituents of emissions. Thus, for example, the nitrogen oxide limit values set by the EU5 standard is significantly undercut, so that this technology shows the potential to fulfil the EU6 standard.
The innovative BLUETEC technology was first introduced by Mercedes-Benz in the E 320 BLUETEC, launched in October 2006 in the United States, where it was successfully sold as the first BIN8-compliant diesel passenger car in the world, being voted “World Green Car of the Year 2007”. In Europe Mercedes-Benz will continue to offer the existing E 320 CDI alongside the new E 300 BLUETEC. The slightly lower top performance of the new BLUETEC model - 155 kW/211 hp as opposed to 165 kW/ 224 hp - is a result of measures to improve pollutant emissions. Further optimisation measures include special piezo injectors as well as very specific “fine tuning” of the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation system. The maximum torque remains high at 540 Nm at 1600 rpm, thus ensuring effortlessly superior performance, here in conjunction with reduced consumption and very clean exhaust emissions. The fuel consumption of the E 300 BLUETEC in accordance with NEDC is 7.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.
E 350 CGI with second-generation petrol direct injection
In parallel with the E 300 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is extending its model range to include the sophisticated petrol direct-injection engine with spray-guided combustion process. The V6 petrol engine that has been available since spring 2006 in the CLS 350 CGI, the first one of its kind in the world to use this innovative combustion system and piezo injection, will come onto the market in the numerically-important E-Class as well from December as the E 350 CGI, in both saloon and estate guises. Compared with the E 350, which will continue to be available, the 215 kW/292 hp V engine offers 20 hp more power and 15 Newton metres more torque (365 Nm), although its consumption is ten per cent lower. In the NEDC combined cycle the E 350 CGI Saloon, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, needs a mere 8.7 litres of Premium fuel per 100 kilometres. The top speed of all model variants is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
From December 2007: new C 220 CDI Estate with fuel consumption of just 6.1 l/100 km with 170 hp
That more power can also mean lower consumption is shown in exemplary fashion by the new C 220 CDI Estate. Its four-cylinder diesel engine has been further refined to produce 18 per cent, or 60 Nm, more torque. As a result the engine revs, and thus also consumption under real-life conditions, could be reduced. With the six-speed manual transmission that is fitted as standard on this model, the C 200 CDI Estate uses only 6.1 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres - in other words 0.8 litres less than the predecessor model and yet with performance improvements of 13 per cent from 110 kW/150 hp to 125 kW/ 170 hp. The excellent aerodynamics, coupled with the fact that the weight has remained virtually the same as that of the smaller predecessor model, are additional factors contributing to the optimising of fuel consumption. The C 220 CDI Estate accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 224 km/h.
Elegant styling, great practicality and hallmark Mercedes refinement are further characteristics of the C 220 Estate. The new model comes onto the market in early December with a range of eight state-of-the-art four and six-cylinder engines.
From 2008: C 200 CDI to travel 100 kilometres on 5.1 litres of diesel
In April 2008 Mercedes-Benz will be bringing a further C-Class model with exceptionally favourable fuel consumption onto the market: the C 200 CDI, which according to NEDC ratings requires just 5.1 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres, thus achieving CO2 emissions of 135 grams per kilometre, a very low figure for this level of vehicle and performance class. A factor in this achievement is an efficiency package consisting of a lowering of the vehicle body by 15 millimetres, aerodynamic details, tyres with a particularly low rolling resistance and a further-optimised four-cylinder diesel engine that offers a top performance of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 270 Newton metres.
A 160 CDI with CO2 emissions of just 119 grams per kilometre
A low fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres - corresponding to CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre - is a key feature of the A 160 CDI, due to be launched in June 2008. The 0.4-litre reduction in fuel consumption can be attributed to intelligent optimisation in all relevant vehicle components.
B 170 NGT with clean natural-gas drive from summer 2008
At the IAA International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is exhibiting its first compact model with natural-gas drive: the B 170 NGT. This 85 kW/116 hp-powered version of the B-Class will be the company’s second such vehicle, and will join the E 200 NGT in June 2008. It offers the same basic advantages as the larger saloon: CO2 emissions that are some 20 per cent lower than those of a comparable petrol model, at a consumption of 4.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres - corresponding to 7.4 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres - the B 170 NGT produces CO2 emissions of just 135 grams per kilometre. Running costs are lower than those of a comparable petrol-engine vehicle by about one half.
The role of alternative and synthetic fuels for internal combustion engines is becoming more and more important in ensuring environmentally compatible mobility. Their use can significantly improve the overall CO2 balance, while also reducing our dependency on fossil fuel sources. For Mercedes-Benz, the use of natural gas represents an important milestone along the way to more widespread use of synthetic fuels from biomass.
2008: launch for R 320 BLUETEC and two further BLUETEC SUVs
The experience that Mercedes-Benz has gained in the US with the E 320 BLUETEC has been extremely positive, and the company is resolved to move forward with its BLUETEC initiative. Three BLUETEC SUVs bearing the three-pointed star - all of them with V6 engines - will appear already in 2008. The R 320 BLUETEC on display at the IAA, plus the ML and GL 320 BLUETEC. All three models are fitted with BLUETEC and AdBlue injection system, whereby urea, an innocuous watery solution, is injected into the exhaust gas flow. This process releases ammonia, which reacts within the secondary SCR catalytic converter to reduce up to 80 per cent of the nitrous oxides to harmless nitrogen and water. The optimum amount of AdBlue for each operating condition is determined electronically. All three models fulfil the strict US BIN5 exhaust gas 50-State standard, as well as having the potential to fulfil a planned EU6 emissions standard.
With 155 kW/211 hp, the V6 engine in the R 320 BLUETEC (of identical design in the ML and GL BLUETEC) develops a maximum torque of 540 Newton metres. The rear-wheel-drive version, the comfortable touring SUV thus uses just 7.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. With an average fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres (in accordance with NEDC), the model with permanent all-wheel-drive system is similarly economical. The Mercedes-Benz V6 compression-ignition engines have already, in the CDI version, proved themselves the ideal solution for larger automobiles, especially for large SUVs. In Europe, the diesel share of R, M, und GL-Class is already well over 80 per cent.
Since the 15. October 2006, the day widespread introduction of low-sulphur diesel fuel throughout the US began, Mercedes-Benz has been able to offer the very latest and cleanest diesel technology there, with oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and BLUETEC.
2009: C 250 BLUETEC, V6 performance 4.9 l/km and EU6 potential
With the C 250 BLUETEC Mercedes-Benz launches its new generation of 4-cylinder engines in 2009. The strong, clean and extremely economical 2.2 litre drive delivers 150 kW/204 hp and produces a maximum torque of 480 Nm –values which until recently could only be achieved by 6-cylinder diesel powerplants with a displacement of at least 3 litres. These values enable the C 250 BLUETEC to achieve a remarkable driving performance. It accelerates in just 7.9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, reaching a top speed of 245 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption figures are exceptionally low for its class. The C 250 BLUETEC makes do with just 4.9 litres per 100 km. This means CO2 emissions of only 130 g/km. Thanks to comprehensive BLUETEC exhaust gas purification, the new diesel is as clean as a petrol engine in all exhaust gas components, so that it will be able to comply with a future EU6 standard.
2009: ML 450 HYBRID - the most economical hybrid SUV in its class
Mercedes-Benz is also presenting a further CO2 world champion in its class at the IAA: the ML 450 HYBRID, which will come onto the market in 2009 as the world’s most economical SUV petrol hybrid in its class. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system means it can be driven with just the electric engine; and the vehicle meets the highest expectations in terms of comfort. The V6 petrol engine produces 205 kW/279 hp and 338 Newton metres of torque, while the two-mode hybrid module with two electric motors, develops 45 kW/61 hp. The end result is a combined system output of 236 kW/321 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Newton metres - supreme performance that comes with a fuel consumption of just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The ML 450 Hybrid thus achieves CO2 emissions that are exemplary for this class of vehicle of just 185 grams per kilometre.
In the ML 450 HYBRID two compact electric engines are used, developing a total power output of 120 kW/163 hp. They take up a lot less space in the vehicle than comparable systems, thus guaranteeing that this is an ideal package. The system, unique in its kind, with four fixed gears, combines the advantages of a multiple-speed automatic transmission with those of a stepless CVT transmission. The two electric motors are integrated in the innovative two-mode hybrid transmission of the ML 450 HYBRID. This drive is optimised both for the city and for country roads. Voltage is supplied by a 288-V battery, which makes it possible to store considerable quantities of electrical energy. In interaction with an intelligent energy management system, this vehicle features all the full hybrid characteristics such as driving entirely under electric power, the start-stop function of the internal-combustion engine, boost effect and braking energy recovery.
Mercedes-Benz is thus offering a hybrid technology which guarantees low fuel consumption, effortless performance, the highest level of comfort and a fully utilisable boot volume without load space restrictions. The two-mode hybrid also improves performance and fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds, giving it a further advantage over other hybrid concepts available on the market.
2009: S 400 HYBRID sets a new note in the luxury segment
At the same time as the ML 450 HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz will be launching an S‑Class with petrol hybrid on the market. In the S 400 HYBRID, which will also be available from mid-2009 in Europe , the 205 kW/279 hp V6 petrol engine is combined with a hybrid module delivering from the outset 160 Nm and 15 kW/ 20 hp. The combined maximum power output is 220 kW/299 hp, the combined maximum torque amounts to 375 Newton metres.
The S 400 HYBRID can accelerate in 7.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Yet even with such excellent performance, this superb combustion engine requires a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEFZ cycle. This results in CO2 emissions of just 190 grams per kilometre, making the S 400 HYBRID the most fuel-efficient luxury petrol engine saloon in the world, independently of whether competitors pit a petrol- diesel- or hybrid drive against it. Only the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, the S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID and the F 700, also presented at the IAA by Mercedes-Benz, can improve significantly on the world record set by the S 400 HYBRID in terms of low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Enjoyable and economical driving from one efficient unit
The compact hybrid module installed in all the S-Class hybrids comprises a disk-shaped electric engine, which also functions as a starter motor and dynamo. This system offers a double benefit, working on the one hand in various ways to save fuel, and making driving so much more fun.
The main reason for the increased driving enjoyment is what is known as the boost effect, whereby the electric engine supports the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase with a maximum extra torque of 160 Newton metres. With this high torque the electric engine assists the combustion engine heartily when accelerating from very low engine speeds. As a result, the combustion engine itself needs less time and energy to build up its maximum torque. The only thing the driver notices from this synergy of the two power units is a supremely effortless power output whenever he starts off.
The hybrid module also features a comfortable start-stop function which switches the engine off whenever the vehicle stops, for example at traffic lights. Once the vehicle is ready to move off again, the electric engine starts the main engine again so gently, that it remains virtually unnoticed. This of course also contributes to fuel savings and is kind to the environment: since the engine starts virtually immediately, virtually no unburned fuel is discharged when starting off. When decelerating, on the other hand, the electric engine functions as a generator, and can recover braking energy in what is known as the recuperation process. This energy is stored in a powerful but compact lithium-ion battery pack in the engine compartment, ready for use when required. The engine management of this complex system is governed by a powerful control unit, which is also installed close to the engine.
2010: fuel cell goes into standard production in the B–Class F-Cell
In the summer of 2010, Mercedes-Benz will launch the first series-production car with a local zero-emission fuel-cell drive. The small-scale series production of the B-Class F-Cell will begin in early 2010. The engine for this innovative vehicle will be a new generation of fuel-cell engine that is much more compact and yet at the same time more powerful and completely practicable for everyday use.
At its heart, in technical terms, will be the optimised fuel-cell system which Mercedes-Benz introduced in the F 600 HYGENIUS research vehicle in 2005. This very compact system is considerably more efficient than previous generations of fuel cells. The redesigned stack is around 40 per cent smaller and produces 30 per cent more power, yet it uses 16 per cent less fuel. Starting under cold conditions has also been improved with the help of innovations such as an electric turbocharger to control the air supply and a new ventilation and dehumidification system.
The B-Class F-Cell features another improved, more compact and more powerful system. The electric engine develops top output of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Newton metres. The B-Class F-Cell therefore meets all expectations in terms of dynamic performance, which is on a par with that of a two-litre petrol-engine vehicle. However, the consumption of the emission-free fuel-cell engine in this ideal compact family car corresponds to a mere 2.9 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 kilometres.
2010: the new Business Class in the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID
The new E-Class will arrive on the market in 2010 as the first of a total of three Mercedes-Benz models to offer the unique combination of BLUETEC, 7G-TRONIC and hybrid technology. The modular technology concept of the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID consists of a new four-cylinder diesel that develops 150 kW/204 hp and a maximum torque of 480 Newton metres from 2.2 litres of displacement, plus a compact hybrid module delivering additional 15 kW/20 hp. However, due to diesel-specific advantages in terms of torque and consumption, this BLUETEC/Hybrid combination is here an even more efficient unit than all petrol hybrids know up till the present.
With the high combined torque of 560 Nm of its 4-cylinder engine, the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID surpasses many 6-cylinder diesel upwards of 3 litres displacement, displaying effortless superiority convincingly. Fuel consumption of just 5.1 litres of diesel per 100 km/h, corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 134 grams per kilometre, make the BLUETEC HYBRID the cleanest and most economical business saloon in the world.
2010: S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID with 560 Nm and just 5.4 l/100 km
The tremendous savings potential of the modular technology concept being applied by Mercedes-Benz is underlined by the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, due to arrive on the market in 2010, too. The configuration and performance data of this engine are identical to those in the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID. In the S-Class too, the BLUETEC/Hybrid combination develops a maximum torque of 560 Newton metres, comparable with that of a large-volume V8 petrol engine. When combined with the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Even with this superior performance, fuel consumption stands at just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a mere 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre ‑ 57 grams, or some 30 per cent, less than the current best saloon in the S-Class segment anywhere in the world.
The S-Class uses the version of BLUETEC with AdBlue injection system. Thanks to the combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology - the only combination of this nature in the world, delivering the most economical and environmentally compatible premium cars in the world - the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards applicable anywhere in the world - for example, the European EU6 standard or the US 50-state BIN5 standard.
After 2010: C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID with 204 hp and just 4.6 l/100 km
In 2011 the C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID will be the next Mercedes-Benz model benefiting from the unique modular technology concept to enter the market. With a combined power output of 165 kW/224 hp and a combined maximum torque of 560 Newton metres, the engine delivers the same performance here as it does in the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID and the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID. Due to its lower vehicle weight, the C 300 BLUETEC accelerates even faster (0-100 km/h in 7.2 s), while its top speed stands at 236 km/h.
Even with such superior performance for a vehicle in this class, the C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID only requires 4.6 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres, achieving in the process CO2 emissions of just 122 grams per kilometre, the lowest of any vehicle in its class in the world. The extremely efficient emissions control system in the C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID uses - like the E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID - the combination of oxidation catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter from the version of BLUETEC with the NOx storage catalytic converter, giving it the potential to meet even the most stringent emissions standards like EU6 and BIN5.
After 2010: excellent power and economy with the S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID
After 2010 Mercedes-Benz will offer a further BLUETEC/ HYBRID combination that delivers fuel efficiency and excellent environmental compatibility together with supreme driving pleasure: the S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID achieves this by combining the 15 kW/20 hp hybrid module with the tried-and-tested V6 diesel engine that is already used so successfully in numerous Mercedes-Benz model series. Following further development, this now even more economical engine delivers top output of 180 kW/245 hp. Combined, this BLUETEC/ HYBRID unit delivers a maximum power output of 195 kW/265 hp, at a combined maximum torque of 630 Newton metres. Further power combinations, such as for instance, with a 45 kW/61 hp hybrid module, are currently in the testing phase. With 195 kW/265 hp and 630 Nm of torque (combined power), the S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID manages the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and this in conjunction with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC. Its - electronically limited - top speed is 250 km/h. Such performance comes with an average fuel consumption of just 5.8 litres per kilometres (CO2 emissions: 154 g/km).
As in the case of the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, this engine involves BLUETEC with AdBlue injection. The S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID thus also has the potential to meet the most stringent emissions standards in the world - for example, the European EU6 standard or the American 50-state BIN5 standard.
F 700: the future of the supreme long-distance saloon
With its F 700 research vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is offering a whole new definition of effortlessly superior refinement. As a concept for the luxury long-distance saloon of the future, the vehicle shows how superior ride comfort, environmental compatibility and excellent performance can indeed be combined with unusually low fuel consumption. The innovative and very generously proportioned interior of the 5.17-metre-long F 700 gives a whole new meaning to travelling in comfort. The F 700 is the first car in the world that can recognise the condition of the road ahead and apply its active PRE-SCAN suspension to even out bumps in the road surface, thereby improving ride comfort even further. The pioneering DIESOTTO engine used in the F 700, a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of just 1.8 litres, combines the advantages of a low-emission petrol engine with the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. Its CO2 emissions of just 127 grams per kilometre correspond to a fuel consumption of only 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometre - a remarkable achievement for a vehicle in this class. Apart from this, the engine complies with the planned EU6 emissions standard.
All this is made possible by an innovative engine concept. At its heart is DIESOTTO technology - conceived by Mercedes-Benz as a further development of the internal combustion engine. Featuring homogenous charge compression ignition, direct injection and turbocharger, it combines the performance of the petrol engine with the excellent torque and low consumption of the diesel. The four-cylinder engine in the F 700, with its two-stage charging, gives it the performance of an S-Class of today with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine or 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.
“Our aim is to make the petrol engine as economical as a diesel, and the new DIESOTTO concept is a big step in this direction. It combines all the best qualities of petrol and diesel engines,” commented Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes Car Group Development.