[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="24754,24753"] As the importance of fuel efficiency and environmental awareness in the Middle East grows, the long-time leadership by Mercedes-Benz in developing alternative drive systems is meeting the growing demand for Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models. Consistently at the forefront of technological advancements, Mercedes-Benz has been doing research into mixed and alternative drive systems for more than 118 years, and applying new innovations and refinements to every new generation of model launched. "With a number of countries in the GCC holding top spots globally for the biggest ecological footprints in the world, public awareness of the importance of environmental protection is growing. So too, is the pressure to adopt alternative sources of energy to power vehicles. At Mercedes-Benz, we like to sum up our approach to sustainability in two words: acting responsibly. Alternative drive systems are the future of the automotive industry, for both fuel efficiency and environmental factors," said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant. "In addition to reduced fuel consumption and engines powered by environmentally friendly fuels, Mercedes-Benz hybrid and plug-in hybrid models continue to deliver the same exceptional performance thanks to improved acceleration and quiet running." Mercedes-Benz has made a strong statement in the Middle East region with their Hybrid model – S 400 h and Plug-In Hybrid models - S 500 e and GLE 500 e. S 400 h: One of the World's Most Efficient Luxury Saloon With the new S 400 h, the world's first series production car to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery, Mercedes-Benz is emphatically underlining its claim to leadership with respect to design, comfort, innovation and environmental compatibility. The combination of a further improved V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes this model the world's most efficient luxury saloon with a petrol engine. Its fuel consumption of 6.3-6.8 liters per 100 kilometers (NEDC combined) corresponds to a remarkable 21-percent reduction over its predecessor. The combined output is 245 kW/299 hp, with a combined maximum torque of 620 newton meters. The S 400 h accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of around 250 km/h – environmentally compatible drive systems and outstanding performance are not necessarily a contradiction in terms. The S-Class hybrid offers all the advantages of this drive concept: a comfortable ECO start/stop function automatically switches the engine off when the S-Class comes to a stop - for example at traffic lights. GLE 500 e 4MATIC: Plug-in Hybrid Technology meets SUV For the first time in its SUV history, Mercedes-Benz offers a plug-in hybrid model, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC drive combines the power and refinement of a V6 engine, with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV. The drive system comprise a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 245 kW (333 hp) and a hybrid module with 85 kW (116 hp) of electric power. The system peak torque is a massive 820 Newton meters. Thanks to the boost function, the innovative system drive also offers all-electric driving at speeds up to 130 km/h and optimizes energy recovery. With plug-in hybrid technology and a system output of 330 kW (442 hp), the GLE 500 e 4MATIC guarantees brilliant performance with CO2 emissions of just 78 g/km (3.5 l/100 km). The compact hybrid module is fully integrated into a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 17 percent compared with predecessor model series, the new GLE 500e 4MATIC sets a new benchmark in the SUV market segment by offering the best on-road and off-road handling, outstanding spaciousness and high levels of safety. The new Mercedes-Benz S 500 e blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment of the S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S 500 e offers a system output of 330 kW and 820 Nm torque, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and can drive up to 33 km purely electrically. The certified consumption is 2.8 liters/100 km, which corresponds to 65 g CO2/km emissions. Key elements of this impressive output are the V6 biturbo and the intelligent hybrid drive. The high-voltage battery of the S 500 e can be charged via maximum external charging capacity electricity using a 3.6 kW on-board charger. The unit is permanently installed in the vehicle and charges single-phase up to 16 A. The connection for the charging cable is located under a flap in the rear bumper underneath the tail light on the right-hand side. An automatic lock ensures that the cable cannot be separated from the vehicle by unauthorized persons. The new S-Class can be charged in two hours via fast charging power socket such as wallbox or at a public charging station where available. Alternatively, charging via house connection is also possible, of course. Depending on the connection a charge time e.g. of two hours and 45 minutes can be attained. All models are available in the GCC. Pricing starts from $115,500 for the S 400 h, $88,650 for the GLE 500 e 4MATIC and $138,650 for the S 500 e.
