NEWS
Green the new black for next S-Class
Benz says eco technology is the new cool, and will be featured in force with the introduction of its next-generation S-ClassThe recently released Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a technological tour de force, and one most consider a stand-out example of best practice fuel economy and emissions with respect to its size.
But Mercedes says that even more can be done, and that its next-gen S-Class, due later this decade, will feature not only those electronic, safety and infotainment technologies expected at the time, but also a comprehensive repertoire of environmentally-focussed improvements.
Speaking at a press gathering at the Geneva motor show last week, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Chief Engineer, Dr Hermann-Joseph Storp, said the German manufacturer is already looking at ways to lessen the S-Class’ eco footprint, and that every aspect of the vehicle will face exhaustive engineering scrutiny.
“We are starting now to think about what will come up for the next-generation of S-Class, we say ‘OK, what can be the next step?” explained Dr Storp. “It may be that the next S-Class has more aluminium, or aluminium combined with plastics [CFRP], for example.”
Carbon-fibre reinforced plastics are currently utilised in a limited capacity in production vehicles, while aluminium is becoming increasingly mainstream. Like the S-Class, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has already seen a significant escalation in the amount of aluminium used in the construction of its body, rising from a little more than 10 per cent in the previous generation, to almost 50 per cent in the current model.
“It’s one discussion we have with weight; the other is stiffness for the body, and reducing noise,” Dr Storp continued. “[The] reduction of weight, CO2 reduction, the combination of [a] combustion engine with plug-in electrical power, new batteries... and drag coefficient – to reduce it as far as we can – will again help [the new S-Class].”
The current S-Class boasts fuel economy reductions of as much as 20 per cent when compared to the outgoing model, and is available with an ultra-frugal diesel-electric hybrid version dubbed S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid. It is said to consume 4.5L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
Just how much further Mercedes-Benz can push the envelope is indeed an exciting prospect, especially when considering mainstream petrol-electric hybrid models weighing nearly half as much as the S-Class are consuming only 0.6L/100km less.
The most frugal of the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class variants, the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, is due to go on sale locally next month (April) and will be priced from $195,000 (plus on-road costs).
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Written byMatt Brogan
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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