Luxury two-tonne S-class gets a diesel-electric hybrid system, offering a claimed 61.4mpg, but engine refinement issues dent its appeal This is a diesel-electric hybrid version of the recently launched Mercedes-Benz S-class.It utilises a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor, the latter of which is integrated into the car's seven-speed automatic transmission.This, claims Mercedes, helps the two-tonne luxury saloon to average a staggering 61.4mpg while emitting just 120g/km of CO2.Performance is hardly lacking either, with the rear-drive S-class reputed to be capable of 0-62mph in 7.6sec. Its top speed, should you find yourself on a suitable stretch of autobahn, is 149mph.The hybrid is only offered in one trim, 'L AMG Line', and is priced at £72,260. That means it commands a premium of £1,555 over the conventional V6 diesel in an equivalent specification.It is, however, £2445 cheaper than the petrol-engined S400 Hybrid – although that particular model is considerably more powerful.from Autocar RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1lOZ2zZ
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