Mercedes has revealed the new S500 Hybrid, the third hybrid model in the S-Class range and the first ever plug-in model from the German manufacturer.
Due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the S500 Hybrid joins the S400 and S300 BlueTEC in the S-Class hybrid range.
Underneath the bonnet the S500 Hybrid is fitted with a 329bhp 3.0-litre B6 turbocharged engine coupled to a 107bhp electric motor. This means a combined power output of 436bhp and a total torque figure of 605lb-ft. 0-62mph takes 5.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
Mercedes claims that S500 Hybrid will return 94.2mpg and emit just 69g/km of CO2 which will make it one of the few cars on the road to qualify for exemption from the London Congestion Charge under the new, more stringent rules. The S500 Hybrid will also be able to travel for up to 18 miles on electric power alone. The batteries can be topped up externally via a socket in the rear bumper.
The driver can choose from four hybrid operating modes: Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. As the name would suggest, in E-Mode the car uses electric power only, in E-Save, the fully charged battery is reserved for later use and in Charge the battery is recharged while driving.
The S500 Hybrid is also fitted with a new regenerative braking system which allows the engine to be turned off when the car is coasting, with the extra energy from the wheels being used to top up the batteries.
Another feature is the S500's anticipatory engine management system which uses information gleaned from the car's sat-nav to prepare the car according to the next five miles of road ahead, thereby increasing efficiency.
There's no word yet on pricing; however, we expect more details to be released in Frankfurt ahead of the S500 Hybrid's arrival in the UK in September.
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