Mercedes-Benz Direct Hybrid Concept (2005)

Mercedes-Benz Direct Hybrid Concept

At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the "DIRECT HYBRID" and the "BLUETEC HYBRID," two groundbreaking concept cars. Using the new S-Class as an example, the company is exhibiting unique designs for yet again markedly improving fuel consumption and emissions in the near future - while preserving high dynamic ride comfort. The focus is on combining optimised petrol and diesel engines with a hybrid system and with ultra-modern exhaust gas purification.

The paramount goals for Mercedes-Benz in vehicle development are maximum ride comfort, dynamics and safety combined with economical consumption and environmentally-compatible emission levels. "For the drive concepts of the near future the objective is to make petrol cars as efficient as diesels, and diesels as clean as petrol cars" stated Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for research and technology and for development at the Mercedes Car Group.

For the petrol engine car, the main emphasis is on reducing fuel consumption even further. With the second-generation spray-guided petrol direct injection system, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have achieved a crucial innovation that allows considerable fuel savings. Using the current 3.5-litre V6 as the basis, this technology was implemented under the bonnet of the new S-Class. This vehicle, which incorporates a compact, high-torque electric motor, will be presented in Frankfurt as the "DIRECT HYBRID."

Now that the particulate filter has been introduced as standard equipment, the task for the diesel is to adhere to the most stringent exhaust limits worldwide with regard to nitrogen oxide emissions, too - while retaining the celebrated fuel economy. Nitrogen oxides are currently the only exhaust gas component still emitted in greater quantities by the diesel than by the petrol engine. The goal of achieving the lowest possible emissions has been implemented commendably by the "BLUETEC HYBRID" concept car based on the new 3-litre V6 diesel in the new S-Class - and also incorporating a high-torque electric motor. The crucial element in the success of this system is "BLUETEC," a new exhaust gas purification technology that reduces the nitrogen oxides by about 80 per cent through selective catalytic reduction (SCR). This technology makes the "BLUETEC HYBRID" the cleanest diesel in the world.

Both of the drive systems in the concept cars introduced in Frankfurt are combined with an electric motor integrated in the drive train, thereby becoming what are called "mild hybrids". This makes it possible to once more significantly reduce the already excellent fuel consumption of the optimised combustion engine, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic. The combustion engine switches off whenever it is not needed. At other times, the combination of combustion engine and high-torque electric motor act in concert to ensure a powerful and silky-smooth start when pulling away. Moreover, the electric motor reclaims energy during coasting and braking. These combined features allow a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption in the "BLUETEC HYBRID" relative to the comparable predecessor model, and as much as a 25 per cent reduction in the "DIRECT HYBRID."

The two drive systems not only provide a dynamic driving performance, but also are extremely fuel-efficient and comply with the most stringent emissions standards worldwide. The drive system of the vision S320 BLUETEC HYBRID have a combined output of 179 kW/243 hp and 575 Nm of combined torque. The car can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The vehicle is extremely fuel efficient, consuming only 7.7 litres of fuel per 100 km in the NEDC. The corresponding values for the S 350 DIRECT HYBRID are: 221 kW/300 hp; 395 Nm, 7.5 seconds, 250 km/h and 8.3 litres/100 km.