Rumorpile: Three Plug-In Hybrids Coming From Mercedes-Benz

The S-class Hybrid they have been talking numbers like 70 mpg and 0-60 in 5.5 seconds so that thing could be the bomb and really unmatched in that segment. I still wonder why they don't just take the 2.1 liter diesel and add a hybrid system to that, they have it in Europe on an E-class, that would be ideal on a C-class or ML because you'd have battery power around town and diesel on the highway and could get some huge mileage numbers.

To hit those numbers they are going to have to reduce weight and still not give up the quality of the quiet interior. My gut says MB will keep their quality and give up MPG. Be interesting to see what the final real world numbers end up being.

Electric motors are very efficient (80-90%). The very best heat engines (i.e., ICE) are only 30-40% efficient. Even if these plug-in hybrids weigh in over 5,000 lbs, there should still be a substantial increase in fuel efficiency compared to the standard car.

Might not be that much more in weight, since the S-class dropped weight compared to the old one, the C-class is dropping about 200 lbs compared to the old one. Plus you would be going from a V8 to a V6 or V6 to a I-4, so the engine downsizing should cut a little weight. Add an electric motor and 200 lbs of batteries and you are about the same, but I suspect it might have 400 lbs of batteries or more.