Mercedes-Benz has announced that its next-gen S-Class will be launched with a plug-in hybrid model. As promised, it will be a full-sized luxury sedan capable of doing 0-62 mph in under 6 seconds, at a fuel economy of at least 70 mpg. The hybrid technology that will feature in the next-gen S-class will eventually be rolled out across the rest of the automaker’s range.

The information was the result of an interview between Mercedes-Benz’s Research & Development boss Thomas Weber and Autocar magazine. In the conversation Mr. Webber explained that “it makes a lot of sense to bundle the high price tech option to the sort of customers willing to pay for this sort of thing.”

Any doubts regarding a purely electric version were ruled out by Mr. Weber mainly due to concerns over its [battery] range. As a reply to it he said, “It could be possible, but no. Our customers expect a certain range and a level of comfort, safety and space. Such things lead to a certain weight, and that won’t mean a good range.” However, for short distances the plug-in hybrid version could drive on electric power alone.

The hybrid technology was first observed in the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid Concept last year. It had a combination of a 3.5-L V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. The next-generation S-Class is expected to undergo a drastic weight reduction program and an aerodynamic make over. That, when combined with the hybrid drive-train, allows the sedan to easily achieve the promised 70 mpg mark.

The rest of the Mercedes’ line-up includes less expensive versions of the next S-class. It will be offered with next-gen “MoVe” modular V-6 and V-8 engines that will have direct injection and stop-start. It could also implement a turbocharge technology that can be used in conjunction with electric motors. Even more, the company claims it will be better than the existing petrol engines in terms of power by 10%, torque by 25% and fuel economy by 25%.

Source: [Nitro Bahn]