Astonishing Environmental Performance Achieved

Daimler recently announced the "S400 Hybrid" in April, which combines a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine for the "S350" with a hybrid module (including a small motor), and features idling stop and regenerative braking.

While the "S400 Hybrid" achieved a European combined fuel economy of 12.7 km/l and CO2 emissions of 186 g/km, the "Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid" to be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, based on the S400 Hybrid's system, is expected to achieve astonishing environmental performance of 31.25 km/l in European combined mode and 74 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The biggest difference from the S400 Hybrid is likely the increased battery capacity, from 0.9 kWh in the S400 Hybrid to 10 kWh. Both use the same lithium-ion batteries, but due to the larger size, the battery has been relocated from the engine compartment to under the trunk floor.

The engine is the same 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit, but it employs a next-generation direct injection system, and the hybrid module's output has been increased to a maximum of 60 ps and 25.5 kgm (the S400 Hybrid's hybrid module has a maximum output of 20 ps and 16.3 kgm).

Up to 30 km Driving Range on Electric Power Alone

Thanks to this increased battery capacity and high-output hybrid module, it is capable of zero-emission driving on electric power alone for up to 30 km.

In terms of performance, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (with limiter). It is truly a hybrid car that balances environmental performance with driving dynamics.

As the name "plug-in hybrid" suggests, this model can also be charged from a household outlet. Charging takes approximately 4.5 hours from a standard outlet, or about 1 hour using a quick charger. A compact onboard charger is housed in the trunk to support charging.

Daimler has confidently stated that the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid is "the first '3-liter car' (capable of traveling 100 km on 3 liters of fuel) in the luxury saloon segment."

BRAND HISTORY
When tracing the history of the automobile, we arrive at two German pioneers: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. It goes without saying that these two men independently created gasoline-powered automobiles between 1885 and 1886, laying the foundation for the automotive society. The companies they founded were at times seen as rivals, but to overcome the post-World War I recession, they joined forces, and Daimler-Benz AG was established through their merger in 1926.

The name "Mercedes" given to the products originated when Emil Jellinek, a Daimler customer, had the cars named after his eldest daughter in exchange for taking over sales outside of Germany. The trademark was registered by Daimler in 1902.

Thus born, Mercedes, and subsequently Mercedes-Benz, have continued to lead the way in automotive development, actively introducing cutting-edge technologies such as the safety passenger cell, airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and Night View.