Drive comes from a hybrid drivetrain that consists of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 connected in parallel with an electric motor. The engine delivers 328 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque while the electric motor adds an extra 80 kilowatts (107 horsepower) and 250 pound-feet of torque.
This enables the big luxury sedan to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and see it easily reach its governed top speed of 155 mph. But since its two power sources can work independently, the car can also drive on electric power alone.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid
Charging is done via a rear bumper-mounted socket but the batteries are also topped up while on the move, using regenerative braking.
Initial testing has shown fuel economy can reach as high as 78 mpg (based on European combined cycle). Real world figures are likely to be lower but owners can still expect numbers in excess of 50 mpg if setting off with a fully charged battery. Despite this efficiency, the car still comes equipped with all the niceties one would expect in an S-Class. These include a panoramic sunroof, massaging seats, a Burmester premium sound system and two 12.3-inch digital display screens in the dash.
EPA-rated fuel economy as well as pricing for the 2015 Mercedes S500 Plug-In Hybrid will be announced closer to next year’s sales launch. Expect its pricetag to come in somewhere between the $96,825 for the 2014 S550 and $140,425 for the 2014 S63 AMG.
For more from the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, click here.
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