Mercedes-Benz to Unveil Vision S 500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept in Frankfurt

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed)
Sep 10th 2009 at 6:05AM

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to World Car Fans, there's a new hybrid S-Class concept from Mercedes-Benz that's slated for its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Unlike the previously-announced mild hybrid version of the S 400, the new Vision S 500 will reportedly come equipped with a plug and will be capable of powering itself solely on electric power for considerable distances.

At the heart of the concept will be a lithium ion battery pack that will store 10 kWh of power, which we hear will allow for an electric-only range of over 18 miles (30 kilometers). That power storage unit will send its electrons to a 60-horsepower (44 kW) electric motor that's mated up to an unknown gasoline-fed V6. Together, the twin power sources will reportedly push the big Benz to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.

Naturally, fuel economy and emissions are of paramount concern with a machine such as this, and the S 500 PHEV won't disappoint. We're not sure what standard was used to come up with the 73.5 (3.2L per 100 km) mpg figure, but it appears to compare rather favorably with other competing luxury hybrids.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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