Mercedes S400: Mild hybrids are worthy?
Coming to America next SeptemberSlowly, but surely, most automakers are rolling out hybrid vehicles. One of the first from Mercedes, the S400 hybrid, is a lithium-powered mild hybrid. This hybrid cannot function on electric power at low speeds, however, it will increase average fuel economy from 23 mpg to just under 30 - almost a 7 mpg improvement.
In late 2010, GM plans to add lithium to their mild hybrid BAS system as well, and 20 to 30 percent improvements in fuel economy are expected.
Would a full hybrid powertrain with lithium provide even greater fuel economy? Yes, but at higher costs. Still, lithium-powered mild hybrids can provide nice increases in fuel economy at justifiable costs. Hence, are mild hybrids now worthy?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, mercedes s400 hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
2:00 PM
7 Comments:
Hey MB!!! Thanks so much...now I'm ready to piss away $80K of my hard earned money.
Well, if you are going to buy a Mercedes anyway, at least you have a hybrid option.
When GM starts using its lithium BAS hybrid powertrain, it will go into much cheaper cars, such as the Malibu perhaps even something small like the Cobalt.
O yes, it is a well known fact that Mercedes is a luxury car to go to repair shop!
PS: Undoubtedly, mild hybrids are worthy. A conservative buyer would not opt for a full hybrid right now.
ultimately, i agree with you LB. for a long while i was against mild hybrid technology, but adding lithium to this powertrain provides pretty great results. sure I'd prefer a full hybrid with a lithium battery, but if a mild hybrid provides a cost-effective way to make more drivers hybrid drivers, than i'm an advocate.
Noz, $80,000? I don't think so! The S350 costs more than $100,000 and since the S400 BlueHYBRID is based on that vehicle it will costs six figures for sure.
still, who cares about the S400 hybrid. the hybrid and the non-hybrid are niche vehicles, it's the lithium-powered mild hybrid powertrain that interests me.
the lithium battery pack for this vehicle is tiny compared to current NiMH packs in conventional hybrids, yet it helps achieve a nice increase in fuel economy.
Mercedes is all about style and the most comfortable car in my opinion. The Mercedes is known all over the world because of its safety features. It is a fact that it is one of the luxurious car companies in the world. They just sell their name because of their quality.
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