Mercedes 2015 Annual Report Download - page 102

B | COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT | SUSTAINABILITY 109
Efficient cars and commercial vehicles with internal
combustion engines
Much of our research and development work focuses on
making our cars and commercial vehicles with internal combus-
tion engines even more efficient. This is largely made possible
by engines with low displacement and turbochargers, as well
as by lightweight engineering, aerodynamic improvements,
tires with low rolling resistance, demand-appropriate energy
management and an automatic start-stop function. In parti-
cular, our new SUVs that were launched in 2015 displayed sig-
nificantly higher fuel efficiency. This was made possible by
modified or new drive systems, outstanding aerodynamics and
intelligent lightweight design. For example, the new GLC SUV
boasts up to 19% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
compared with predecessor models with the same engine
output, despite its improved driving performance. The most
fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz passenger car with a combustion
engine is currently the A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition1, which
boasts average diesel consumption of only 3.5 liters per 100 km.
We are exploiting additional emission-reduction potential
through intelligent and customized hybridization.
We have also further reduced the fuel consumption of our
range of commercial vehicles, thanks to the most recent
additions and the use of new engines. Our Actros, Arocs, Antos
and Atego series, the heavy-duty Freightliner Cascadia
Evolution in the United States and the FUSO Super Great V
are amongst the cleanest and most economical trucks in
their respective classes – and our new buses also boast out-
standing fuel consumption figures. E pages 113 f
Additional plug-in hybrids with the star
Following the launch in October 2014 of the S 500 e2 – the
world’s first certified “three-liter” luxury sedan – we continued
our hybrid offensive with the introduction of additional models
in 2015.
The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e3 makes an excellent impression
both as a sedan and a wagon through its exceptionally dynamic
handling and efficiency. It can also be driven in the pure elec-
tric mode, and thus locally emission-free, for a distance of
31 kilo meters. The model has a drive-system output of 205 kW
(279 hp) and system torque of 600 Nm. The C 350 e3 thus dis-
plays the driving performance of a sports car, even as it
boasts certified fuel consumption of between 2.4 and 2.1 liters
per 100 km as a sedan or station wagon (depending on the
equipment features installed). The fuel consumption figures
correspond to CO2 emissions of just 54-48 g/km. Indepen-
dent monitors from the TÜV Süd inspection agency have now
the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e3: The new plug-in-hybrid meets
all the requirements for environmentally sound product develop-
ment in accordance with the ISO TR 14062 standard. This
certification is based on a comprehensive life cycle assessment
of the model in which every environmentally relevant detail
is documented.
The new GLE 500 e 4MATIC4 is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV
equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive. The model combines the
performance and comfort of a V8 engine with the fuel con-
sumption of a “three-liter vehicle” and the versatility of a premium
SUV. Its drive-system components include a direct-injection
BlueDIRECT V6 gasoline engine with an output of 245 kW (333 hp)
and a hybrid module with an electrical output of 85 kW (116 hp).
Along with the impressive acceleration enabled by a boost func-
tion, the innovative drive system allows for purely electric
driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h, optimized energy recov-
ery made possible by an intelligent operating strategy, and
comfort features such as pre-entry climate control in both sum-
mer and winter.
In the spring of 2016, Mercedes-Benz will begin offering a plug-
in hybrid in the compact SUV segment: the GLC 350 e 4MATIC5
combines agile all-wheel driving pleasure with minimal con-
sumption and emission values. The mid-size SUV has a top
speed of 235 km/h and emits just 59 to 64 g CO2/km; these
are new top figures for its segment.
In the period up until 2017, we will launch a total of ten plug-in
hybrid cars whose batteries can also be charged via the normal
power grid. This Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid offensive will
be accompanied over the next several years by the launch of
additional fully electric vehicles. For example, the new electric
smart will be introduced in 2016 – for the first time as a four-
seater as well. In addition, we are currently developing a con-
cept for an overarching vehicle architecture for electric cars with
a range of 400–500 km. And on the basis of the Mercedes-
Benz GLC, we will launch an innovative fuel-cell vehicle with a
long range and quick refueling as a series-produced model.
Daimler also continues to invest heavily in the expansion of its
battery expertise, which underscores the company’s firm
commitment to electric mobility and its holistic approach to
sustainability.
1 A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: fuel consumption in l/100 km:
urban 3.9 / extra-urban 3.2 / combined 3.5;
CO2 emissions in g/km: combined 89;
electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 13.5
2 S 500 e: fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 2.8;
CO2 emissions in g/km: combined 65;
electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 13.5
3 C 350 e: fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 2.4-2.1;
CO2 emissions in g/km: combined 54-48;
electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 11.3-11.0
4 GLE 500 e 4MATIC: fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 3.3;
CO2 emissions in g/km: combined 78;
electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 16.0
5 GLC 350 e 4MATIC: fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 2.7-2.5;
CO2 emissions in g/km: combined 64-59;
electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 15.2-13.9