(March 18, 2015) STUTTGART, Germany —  Mercedes-Benz has announced a strategic hybrid initiative with 10 plug-in models to reach the market by 2017, which adds up to one new hybrid vehicle every four months on average.
 
Following the successful launch of the S500 plug-in hybrid, this month will see the C350 e, the second model to feature the progressive drive concept, find its way to dealerships.

And what might happen next with the strategic hybrid initiative has just been demonstrated by the Concept V-ision e study at the Geneva Motor Show. Under the new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, an "e" replaces the words Plug-in Hybrid.

"Plug-in hybrids are a key technology on the road to the local emission-free future of the automobile," said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"Plug-in hybrids offer our customers the best of both worlds; in the city they can drive in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the combustion engine's range. In addition, hybridization makes the combustion engine more efficient and brings with it a special type of dynamic performance — making driving an absolute pleasure."

As the plug-in hybrid comes into its own especially in larger vehicles and with mixed distance profiles, Mercedes-Benz is opting for this drive concept from the C-Class upwards, which means that this key technology will make its entry soon into the SUV segment with the new Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The strategic hybrid initiative is decisively facilitated by Mercedes-Benz's intelligent modular hybrid concept, which is scalable to allow it to be transferred to a large number of model series and body versions as well as left and right-hand drive variants.

With the Concept V-ision e, Mercedes-Benz has just given a preview at the Geneva Motor Show of the versatile development potential of the V-Class, a further model series that enjoys powerful propulsion thanks to modular plug-in hybrid technology. The highly efficient twin power source of gas engine and electric motor delivers a system output of 333 horsepower with a system torque of up to 442 foot-pounds.

This guarantees sporty performance — with a standard consumption of less than 3.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. An all-electric range of up to 31 miles turns day-to-day short-distance driving into an enjoyable local emission-free experience.

In the interior, the Concept V-ision e offers a unique feel-good atmosphere with a modern loft character. The largest panoramic glass sunroof in the mid-size van segment ensures an extensive light-flooded space which, in combination with bright, white trim and a brown real-wood floor, conveys a previously unknown feeling of expanse, freedom and airiness.

Numerous additional new comfort features, such as executive seats with calf support, massage function and footrest in the rear or a large centre console with heated cup holders and five-liter refrigerator box, provide further scope for individualization of the V-Class.