A Different Approach Than the Lexus LS600h

The battle for supremacy in next-generation eco-friendly powertrains in the automotive world remains highly unpredictable. However, the hybrid system, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor, seems to be gaining a slight edge. In Japan, with the introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, the market has fully entered its popularization phase. Furthermore, with this new model, the Prius is equipped with product capabilities that, following the well-recognized U.S. market, are poised for a breakthrough in the European market, which places importance on high-speed travel.

Perhaps in response to this trend, European manufacturers, initially skeptical of hybrids, are also preparing to launch their models one after another. This includes the Volkswagen-Audigroup, andBMW, and evenFerrariandPorscheare exploring product development with this in mind.

Mercedes' decision to put its hybrid system into practical use, preceding others, began with the S-Class, positioned at the pinnacle of the company's lineup. As a marque that commands immense trust from its top customers worldwide, any failure is absolutely unacceptable. This might seem surprising, but conversely, it can be interpreted as a testament to Mercedes' resolve and confidence.

The "S 400 Hybrid," scheduled for release in Japan this autumn alongside a major facelift of the S-Class, employs a hybrid system that, in a sense, takes the opposite approach to its direct rival, the Lexus LS600h.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Saloon in its EU Segment

The LS600h's rationale is to target the multi-cylinder diesels used by European upper-class saloons for their balance of performance and fuel economy, achieving comparable high-speed performance with a gasoline engine while delivering superior fuel efficiency in congested city driving with frequent stop-and-go traffic. In contrast, the S 400 Hybrid's approach is to leave the performance competition to other grades and achieve fuel economy superior to the LS600h with a system that is as simple and cost-effective as possible. In fact, the S 400 Hybrid's CO2 emissions, measured by the EU, are lower than the LS600h's, registering 186g/km. This makes it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered saloon in its segment within the EU.

The S 400 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. A simple one-motor system is employed, with a slim 15kW motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. The concept is to entrust the engine with tasks in the mid-to-high RPM range and have the motor supplement the engine's efficiency at low RPMs, a concept quite similar to that of the Insight. Instead, the compact motor is mounted coaxially with the transmission, and this motor is driven by a small, lightweight lithium-ion battery, ensuring no compromise to passenger or luggage space. Incidentally, this battery is roughly the same size as a conventional 12V battery and is neatly
built into the engine bay.

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