Dr. Dieter Zetsche, aka Dr. Z., Chairman of Daimler, calls the Mercedes-Benz Vision 500 Plug-in Hybrid "new milestone on (Mercedes-Benz's) path toward zero-emission mobility". Rightfully so, as what could be considered one of world's swankiest hybrid sedans can run solely on electric power for around 20 miles.
The brand currently sells its S400 Hybrid but decided it was time to take the model one step further in the form of a plug-in. Key to the Vision's powertrain are what Mercedes officials say is the first luxury market 3.0L V-6, as well as a 60-hp hybrid module. The module is roughly three times more powerful that the version found in the S400 Hybrid.
Engineers installed the bigger lithium-ion batteries under the rear seats due to space restraints and weight optimization. The clutch of the 7G-tronic automatic gearbox resides between the combustion engine and the electric motor.
It only takes 60 minutes to fully charge the batteries which are also supplemented by regenerative braking. Start-stop technology also aides in bumping up the 74 mpg combined preliminary fuel ratings (Euro cycle).
Dr. Z and his team of skilled engineers insist their plug-in concept retains all luxury and performance elements associated with the storied model. A sprint to 62 mph is said to only take 5.5 seconds.
Check back soon for more images and details of the Mercedes-Benz Vision 500 Plug-in as it makes its world debut at the Frankfurt show.
Thanks to: Motor Trend