Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz to unveil Vision S 500 plug-in hybrid concept
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Sep 9th 2009 at 1:54PM 
Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to World Car Fans, there's a new hybrid S-Class concept from Mercedes-Benz slated for debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Unlike the previously-announced mild hybrid version of the S 400, the new Vision S 500 will reportedly come equipped with a plug and will be capable of powering itself solely on electric power for considerable distances.
At the heart of the concept will be a lithium ion battery pack that will store 10 kWh of power, which we hear will allow for an electric-only range of over 18 miles (30 kilometers). That power storage unit will send its electrons to a 60-horsepower (44 kW) electric motor that's mated up to an unknown gasoline-fed V6. Together, the twin power sources will reportedly push the big Benz to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
Naturally, fuel economy and emissions are of paramount concern with a machine such as this, and the S 500 PHEV won't disappoint. We're not sure what standard was used to come up with the 73.5 U.S. mpg (3.2L per 100 km) figure, but it appears to compare rather favorably with other competing luxury hybrids. Stay tuned for more details when we hit the floor in Frankfurt.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
XYZ 5:44PM (9/09/2009)
Instead of doing it properly, they just implement this "plug-in-hybrid-show". More or less useless. 18 miles!!! I can call my little Fiat a hybrid when I push it that distance. But it makes the rich look very green.
Reply
skierpage 1:45AM (9/10/2009)
I disagree, 18 miles is better than none. The message it's sending is cool luxury cars a) have the electric virtues of stop-start and regen braking, b) have a plug to recharge a little at home, c) can go for some miles without using petroleum. Then automakers will compete over c) and will add this feature to cheaper cars.
The big problem is it's just another %$#@! concept. Who cares about concepts, offer real plug-in cars for sale!
Mirko 7:11AM (9/10/2009)
Does this use the 2-mode?
Reply
Mr.Marshall 2:10PM (9/12/2009)
XZY, it seems like you misunderstood the whole concept.
It's not about making an EV - it's about lowering fuel consumption and CO²-Emission. 73.5 mpg or 3.2L per 100 km and 5.5s to 60mph in a full comfort, huge luxury sedan is a really big step forward if you compare it to other carbrands in this particular sector!
Reply