The Family Of Mercedes-Benz Plug-in Hybrids Is Expanding

Plug-in hybrids bring customers the best of two worlds: in town they run in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the range of the combustion engine. They make the vehicle more efficient overall, because they can firstly recover energy during braking and secondly allow the combustion engine to run in favourable operating ranges.

By the end of 2019 Mercedes-Benz will have more than ten plug-in hybrids in its range – an attractive portfolio from compact models to the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The aim is to be able to offer customers well over 20 model variants in 2020.

With the A 250 e, models in the compact car family with third-generation hybrid drive are now celebrating their premiere. They use a hybrid power unit with the 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. A 250 e models can be charged with alternating or direct current. A corresponding vehicle socket is located in the right-hand side wall of the vehicles. This means that the compact plug-in hybrids can be charged at a 7.4 kW Wallbox with alternating current (AC) within 1 h 45 min from 10-100 percent SoC (Status of Charge and with For direct-current charging (DC) the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent SoC in around 25 minutes.

In models with a longitudinally installed engine, the electric motor has been redesigned for the 9G-TRONIC plug-in hybrid transmission, and is conceived as an indoor-running, permanently agitated, synchronous motor. The likewise new, significantly enhanced power electronics have allowed significant increases in power and torque density. One of the greatest innovations is the torque converter with an integrated torque converter lockup clutch. The new GLE 350 de 4MATIC achieves a range of over 100 kilometres (NEDC) with an appropriate driving style, thanks to a battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh.

The intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. For example, it takes into account navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route. The ECO Assistant coaches the driver and helps to save fuel.

The compact hybrids can be charged using alternating or direct current. The new GLE 350 de 4MATIC has a combined charging socket for AC and DC charging. With Mercedes me Charge, drivers of a plug-in hybrid model with the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment generation have optional access to one of the world’s largest charging networks. Usong the navigation system, Mercedes-Benz customers can find these stations easily and can gain convenient access to the charging stations via the Mercedes me Charge card, the Mercedes me App or directly from the car.