Mercedes To Introduce 10 New Plug-in Hybrids By 2017

From the Detroit News article, some background:

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Meanwhile, a growing number of cities are considering limits on the automobile. London exempts plug-based vehicles from its hefty commuter tax, however. And a number of other mega-cities may entirely restrict access to central urban areas to zero-emissions vehicles, or at least those that can be switched into electric mode. In smoggy Beijing and a number of other cities, motorists buying electrified vehicles are exempt from monthly registration quotas.

“Plug-in hybrids offer our customers the best of both worlds; in the city they can drive in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the combustion engine’s range,” said Mercedes’ Weber, in a statement. “In addition, hybridization makes the combustion engine more efficient and brings with it a special type of dynamic performance – making driving an absolute pleasure.”

Source: Mercedes Planning to Launch 10 New Plug-Ins by 2017 | TheDetroitBureau.com​

We know from the last decade of Prius/hybrid sales our market nitch is roughly 2.5-3.0% of the new car sales. There has been a significant turn-over of models below the second tier. But now I look forward to the option of a quality ride, a hybrid with adequate urban mileage. I may rethink my Leaf interest.

Bob Wilson

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when they have to start with 10 instead of one? call me skeptical.

 

Thought "40e" in its name had something to do with range: BMW X5 xDRIVE40e Coming To US This Fall, 13 Mile EPA Range, 55 MPGe

 

There is already one, maybe two now.

If they plan offering the PHV drivetrain on the sedan, coupe, and wagon/SUV of a model, getting to 10 won't be hard.

 

Apparently MB didn't get the memo - no one wants plugs.

Anti-EV, pro-hybrid ad from Lexus gets a whole lot wrong

.... maybe Lexus thinks customers already forget what they said.

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The S class is heavy and bulky. More so with batteries.

78mpg US? In the real world? In EPA tests? With luggage space?

Skeptical.

 

haven't you heard about mercedes secret battery breakthrough?

 

Hoo Huuuuummmmmm.

 

Keyword: "CAFE"
Not convinced of those buying expensive cars want plug-ins for subsidies or care about gas prices, hov maybe.

Compare Side-by-Side

Not more efficient than a regular Prius, "cost to drive 25 miles". Plug-ins are a tough sell at current gas prices; 7-Eleven

 

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid First Drive – Review – Car and Driver

Compare Side-by-Side
It will crush the more expensive Lexus hybrid when it comes to fuel economy, and this looks like a better way to 400hp than a V8, but yes those european or japanese tests are very optimistic or misleading.

 

I think they'll have 10 plug ins. All manufacturers are releasing plug ins over here, though most do seem to be minimal compliance cars with 10-15 miles EV. It's a start though and once customers have enjoyed the benefits of electric drive they'll probably want more next time.

I'm tempted for a BEV next, hopefully this year and Mrs Cabbie is went to look at a BEV earlier this week. One of the 'benefits' of having highly taxed petrol is that even if oil price bombs like it has, the cost of petrol at the pumps barely drops.

 

Someone must have died at mercedes-benz. It used to be MB didn't give a rats about fuel economy. They had some of the worst CAFE numbers, and so each car had a monetary penalty built in to the price. For the longest time their arrogant attitude was "if you can't afford to pay guzzler fuel penalty, then you don't deserve an mb". Then thy started kicking everyone's ar$$ in formula 1. Now they seem to realize, "hey, maybe there's something to this dual electric & gas propulsion stuff". So, welcome them to the 21st century.

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Eh? You're kidding right? The Mercedes diesels from the mid 1960's onwards have always been popular here. I think Mercedes sell large engines in the US that they just don't sell anywhere else. The S class has had a diesel option for decades. And more recently the A class has been a popular car and for getting on for 20 years and that came with a 1.4 litre engine.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And the ever popular C class has had a 1.8 litre engine since launch and the diesel version has always been good.

I guess if you live in a land of $2 gallons, the manufacturer will give you what you want - big fat engines. Elsewhere they give the owners what they want - economical engines. You only have to look at the specs of the small Mercedes SLK; Europe 1.8 litre, US 5.4 litre.

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Ok - you're right ... I was speaking to the land where there are more cars per capita than any other - the U. S.
That said, here in the US, it is quite uncommon to find a Mercedes diesel on the road. Even their new offer .... bluetec ? Not so many. IIRC, it's EPA BLENDED is 31mpg. That's good for a big heavy car, but if you factor in higher cost for fuel .... is just ok. Do more city driving, & boom ... mpg's in the high 20's. Maintenance isn't exactly a deal either.
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I don't think we even get the A class.

 

A conversation about plug-ins with Chelsea Sexton: Cadillac ELR | Fully Charged

Fully Charged Drives Cadillac ELR - Video

 

GM's plug-in Caddy is as far off from a MB plugin as I can imagine. It's only a 4 seater. That pretty much means it's an over priced old style Volt / compact, IMO. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing . . . especially for GM.
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