5634MG

Just noticed that the configurator is up on MBUSA and pricing remains the same as the gasoline S550.

WEBSRFR

Any news on the KWh rating of the battery and does anyone know if the vehicle offers AWD?

It seems the 0-60 specs for this plugin hybrid is 5.2 seconds and I'm guessing this plug in hybrid will fail as much as the previous s400 hybrid. I doubt many S class customers would want to pay the same for a slower S class. As much as I like electric cars, I'd rather buy the gasoline S550 than this plug in hybrid.

It's interesting that Mercedes is stymieing the performance capabilities that an electric drivetrain offers as it seems they don't want their EV or partially EV drivetrains to perform better than their gasoline variants, which we know they can.

Also interesting to note how the hybrid version is 400 pounds heavier as it has to carry around 2 separate drivetrains. At the least I hope it offers AWD.

The 2015 S550 Plug-In HYBRID Sedan MSRP $94,400*
Transmission type7-speed automatic
Engine3.0L turbo V-6 + hybrid electric motor
Power329/114 hp (gas/electric)
Acceleration, 0-60 mph5.2 sec

UrBusted

Look online at the stats for the S500 Hybrid. They are the same. 8.7kW/h.

Mitch Alsup

Note: 0.7 kWatts is 1 HP, so the battery (8.7kW) has 13 Hp for 1 hour.

The motor has 114 HP, so the battery can power the motor for about 6 minutes at full power.

Wolfman

Tiresome commentary...
Maybe somebody has an interest in the car your info adds no value.

WEBSRFR

Tiresome commentary? That I shared my opinion you are better off buying a gasoline car than a compromised hybrid that is neither a great EV nor a great gasoline car? This hybrid compromise weights 400 pounds more and is needlessly carrying two separate drivetrains. With the complexities associated with both drive trains you have twice as many things to go wrong.

I'd say your post adds even less value to the discussion as I at least gave my reasoning whereas your contribution to the topic is limited to your personal feelings.

Yes, I am sure "someone" is interested in this car and I think it will sell as well as the S400 hybrid...

syswei

I haven't seen EPA MPG numbers but it is likely they'll be modestly better than the gasoline car. If so, there are some people who will value higher MPG at the same price, even at some give up in performance.

My guess is it won't be AWD at least initially.

WEBSRFR

I get the MPG argument but in that case why not just get a diesel? My point is why all the complication with carrying around two separate drivetrains and power sources just for a moderate gain in MPG?

Even those who feel this hybrid might make sense for "someone" would you buy this with your own money?

It is no secret how much I like EVs but there is no way I'd even remotely consider buying a slower, heavier S class with more to go wrong and maintain than a gasoline (or diesel) car. It seems Mercedes never figured out why hardly anyone bought the S400 hybrid.

5634MG

Another pro of purchasing the plug in hybrid would be the EV parking spots available in parkades and malls; often, these are located right next to the entrance and not taken, a great thing in busy locations.

Even with the extra bulk with the batteries, you can still configure the plug in hybrid with mbc.

syswei

Where I live, diesel is more expensive, somewhat negating the mpg benefit, and slightly less available. Lexus doesn't have a problem making hybrids as reliable as gas-only...I owned an RX450h for 90k miles, and had no reliability issues related to the electric part of the drivetrain; nor have I heard that it is an issue generally for Lexus...the hybrid S550's teething pains are more MB's fault than some issue inherent with the technology.

I would, and was asking on this very forum whether it would be available AWD. Since the answer seemed to be no and I wanted to replace my W221, I went ahead and ordered a gas W222 in Dec.

If the performance is good enough for my needs, I don't care about the weight...in fact the extra pounds make a car marginally safer in a collision.

phantomcypher

Are there any State (California) or Federal incentives or tax rebates for getting this over the gas-powered brother?

DaveVY

I would assume MB keeps trying to sell the Hybrid due to federal CAFE requirements and also that Americans have a bad after taste for diesels due to the epic failure of diesels in cars during the 80s (especially the GM diesels).

When we bought our W222 I asked about the diesel version but since there wasn't any definite timeline for it we opted to buy the only model available at the time, the 550, instead of waiting for something that may never happen here in the states. Would have loved to have the option of the diesel for the reasons mentioned by WEBSRFR.

icebeam

Another big advantage and why I would pay the same is the carpool lane. In arizona that car will qualify for a special plate allowing you to drive in the carpool lane with only one person in the car. Heck the Porsche Panamera hybrid is allowed to get the plate already.