Technical data

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Drive system and chassis
This particularly efficient, environmentally responsible drive system combines a 6-cylinder petrol engine with a compact electric motor. The highlight is its
specially-developed lithium ion battery. It is fed in part by a kinetic energy recuperation system and is very light despite the high energy density.
S 400 HYBRID.
1 The effi ciency-optimised 6-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement
of 3.5 litres.
2 The compact hybrid module is located between the petrol engine and the
automatic transmission.
3 The powerful lithium-ion battery has a high energy density yet its
dimensions are compact and it is light in weight.
4 The power electronics coordinate the intelligent and effi cient work
performed by the petrol engine and electric drive system.
5 The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission ensures imperceptible
switching between the power sources and acceleration without interruption
of tractive power.
6 Recuperative braking system: when braking, the electric motor becomes
a generator and produces electrical current for the lithium ion battery.
7 Low rolling-resistance tyres for comfortable and economical motoring.
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The energy fl ow and drive system battery charge level are indicated
constantly on the hybrid display.
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Environmentally responsible, comfortable and dynamic, all
at the same time – that is what is expected of a drive system
for the luxury class. And of course, of an environmentally
friendly drive system. In the S 400 HYBRID, in addition to
an enhanced 6-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor is
installed which is compact, lightweight and torquey, and
which is driven by a high-capacity lithium ion battery. The
interaction of the engines is controlled by high-performance,
intelligent electronics. If the vehicle brakes, the electric
motor becomes an alternator and produces electricity for
the lithium ion battery. If the vehicle stops, at traffic lights
for instance, the ECO start-stop function turns the combus-
tion engine off. To start up again, the S 400 HYBRID uses
the stored kinetic energy. The current flow of energy between
the two engines is displayed in the instrument cluster.
A boost function can combine the power of both engines
for short periods of time. That increases for a short time
the already impressive agility of the luxury saloon further still.
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