Photo: Mercedes-Benz
We all know by now that Mercedes-Benz is preparing a facelift for the S-Class, which will come to market as a 2018 model.
The German brand has also decided to return to the inline six-cylinder configuration for its engine range, and now we have a second link between these two sentences.
Instead of just adding the all-new inline-six units, Mercedes-Benz will integrate a 48V mild-hybrid system into the new S-Class with these engines.
The flagship sedan from Stuttgart will be the first Mercedes-Benz car to receive the new tech with the M256-series of straight-six gasoline engines. Diesel-powered equivalents will follow later. These power plants will have an electric motor attached directly to the crankshaft.
Thanks to this implementation, the electric unit will have three functions: alternator, starter, and an e-power boost. So the first two conventional components will no longer be required, while the third will be a bonus that used to be reserved for hybrid cars.
Naturally, the new mild-hybrid setup from Mercedes-Benz will turn all of the vehicles fitted with it into hybrid vehicles, but Autocar reports that the German brand will not brand them accordingly. The mild-hybrid assistance system will eventually be carried out into all compatible models over the years, and we expect the German company to adapt it to transverse-mounted engines, as well.
In 2017, Mercedes-Benz will also launch a mild-hybrid version of its four-cylinder gasoline-engined cars. However, it will not have a directly mounted e-motor, but a belt-driven starter/generator. Customers interested in purchasing a full-hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class will still have this option on hand, but for other engine versions. The S300 diesel-powered hybrid could be one of them.
The new mild-hybrid system will first come to six-cylinder applications and help Mercedes-Benz replace existing V6 units. Since the electric motor is not linked to the gearbox, it cannot be disconnected, and the vehicle cannot drive under electric power alone. That is why the entire configuration is called a mild-hybrid. Even if engineers could have fitted the e-motor somewhere else, the small capacity of the 48-Volt battery would rule out this possibility.
Another bonus of the new system will be a faster engine start, thanks to the implementation of the electric motor right at the crankshaft. The new powertrain will be between 10 to 15% more fuel-efficient than a conventional unit, and its electric engine will be able to recover kinetic energy while braking.
A mild power boost is also provided. While official figures have not been confirmed, Autocar reports that the assistance given by the engine will be around the value of 20 HP, while recovery will be a few percent more powerful.
Instead of just adding the all-new inline-six units, Mercedes-Benz will integrate a 48V mild-hybrid system into the new S-Class with these engines.
The flagship sedan from Stuttgart will be the first Mercedes-Benz car to receive the new tech with the M256-series of straight-six gasoline engines. Diesel-powered equivalents will follow later. These power plants will have an electric motor attached directly to the crankshaft.
Thanks to this implementation, the electric unit will have three functions: alternator, starter, and an e-power boost. So the first two conventional components will no longer be required, while the third will be a bonus that used to be reserved for hybrid cars.
Naturally, the new mild-hybrid setup from Mercedes-Benz will turn all of the vehicles fitted with it into hybrid vehicles, but Autocar reports that the German brand will not brand them accordingly. The mild-hybrid assistance system will eventually be carried out into all compatible models over the years, and we expect the German company to adapt it to transverse-mounted engines, as well.
In 2017, Mercedes-Benz will also launch a mild-hybrid version of its four-cylinder gasoline-engined cars. However, it will not have a directly mounted e-motor, but a belt-driven starter/generator. Customers interested in purchasing a full-hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class will still have this option on hand, but for other engine versions. The S300 diesel-powered hybrid could be one of them.
The new mild-hybrid system will first come to six-cylinder applications and help Mercedes-Benz replace existing V6 units. Since the electric motor is not linked to the gearbox, it cannot be disconnected, and the vehicle cannot drive under electric power alone. That is why the entire configuration is called a mild-hybrid. Even if engineers could have fitted the e-motor somewhere else, the small capacity of the 48-Volt battery would rule out this possibility.
Another bonus of the new system will be a faster engine start, thanks to the implementation of the electric motor right at the crankshaft. The new powertrain will be between 10 to 15% more fuel-efficient than a conventional unit, and its electric engine will be able to recover kinetic energy while braking.
A mild power boost is also provided. While official figures have not been confirmed, Autocar reports that the assistance given by the engine will be around the value of 20 HP, while recovery will be a few percent more powerful.
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