New Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: Range of up to 1500 kilometres

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets new standards in the SUV sector, and particularly impresses with its low fuel consumption and emission figures. Compared to the previous series, the entire model range of the new M-Class consumes an average of 25 percent less fuel. Outstandingly, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is content with an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and can travel up to 1500 kilometres on a single tankful. Efficiency notwithstanding, the fascination of the M-Class with its unique synthesis of agility, driving pleasure and comfort is fully preserved.

In the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the 3.0-litre V6 of the previous ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC model is replaced by the thrifty four-cylinder power unit already familiar from the S-Class. The NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km is 28 percent lower than that of the previous model. Thanks to AdBlue® exhaust aftertreatment, the diesel meets the EU-6 standard due to come into force from 2014.

The calculatory range with a full tank of fuel is particularly impressive. With an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with the standard 70-litre tank can cover around 1170 kilometres between fuel-stops. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional 93-litre‑tank, the car can even cover up to 1500 kilometres between fuel-stops.

The excellent fuel economy is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures, as well as by this state-of-the-art engineering. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a new fuel-economy converter, low-friction bearings and a transmission oil thermal management system. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering, the optimised belt drive, the on-demand control of all ancillary components and pumps, and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. What's more, intelligent lightweight design has stopped the weight from spiralling upwards.

With a drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32, the new M-Class (ML 250 BlueTEC) also sets a new best figure for this vehicle class. The key factor determining the low wind resistance is the aerodynamic efficiency of the basic body shell, including the optimised design of the front bumper, the A-pillars and the roof spoiler, plus numerous other detailed improvements.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid – drive for environmental protection

Electromobility is nothing new either to local public transport or more specifically buses. Today more than two thirds of German public transport services are electrically run. As early as 1969 Mercedes‑Benz presented the world’s first hybrid bus at the IAA. Nevertheless this drive technology has still not been able to assert itself on a wide scale; a situation which is now being tackled from a number of different angles. By promoting new drive concepts and realizing intermodal mobility concepts, many transport companies are contributing to the breakthrough of environmentally friendly drive technologies such as hybrid technology. On 13 March 2013, Head of Public Transport Fleet Sales at Mercedes-Benz buses, Tammo Voigt, was on-hand to hand over a Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid bus to WSW mobil GmbH in Wuppertal. Ulrich Jäger, Managing Director at WSW mobil GmbH acknowledged the potential of the drive system: "Hybrid technology is the solution for environmentally friendly local bus services of the future. It will only be possible to implement the ambitious climate targets of the European Union by 2050 if all areas of transport policy are consistently oriented towards environmental protection."


Promote and demand

The Rhein-Ruhr transport association (VRR), of which WSW mobil GmbH is also a member, launched a promotional programme for buses with hybrid technology in 2009. Today approximately 70 hybrid buses belonging to VRR transport companies have been subsidised with the help of the programme for "Innovative projects for the improvement of local public transport". The objective is to pool the findings and experience gained with regard to the new technology as part of a research programme and put them at the disposal of other transport companies and vehicle manufacturers. Ulrich Piotrowski is responsible for the market launch of hybrid and electric buses at Mercedes‑Benz. He believes that: "Wuppertal is just perfect for using the Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid. The demanding topography provides sufficient opportunity for energy recuperation via the brakes, but, if necessary, can also clearly demonstrate deficits thanks to the challenging routes. The experience gained during daily operations is invaluable to the further development of vehicles."

Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid

When topographical conditions are ideal, the Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid can drive up to 10 kilometres using exclusively electric power without the help of the diesel engine. Four electric wheel hub motors which draw their power from lithium ion batteries provide the drive. Electric current is generated when the brakes are applied and, if required, can also be obtained via a generator which is driven by a small diesel engine. Experts speak of a serial hybrid in this context.

Needs-based equipment

The technically sophisticated diesel-electric hybrid concept has been realised in the well-established articulated version of the successful Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban bus family. The light blue vehicle hardly differs from the rest of the WSW Citaro fleet. The bright and friendly interior is characterised by large windows. The traffic red grab rails are a contrast to the blue seat covers. A video surveillance system with five cameras improves safety and avoids damage through vandalism. The climate control in the passenger compartment and at the driver's workplace can be regulated independently of one another via the overhead air-conditioning system. The air-conditioning concept, just like the fire alarm system and the automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, is standard WSW equipment.

Two 48.26 cm TFT monitors in the front and rear sections display the names of bus stops. When connected to the IBIS on-board computer, information regarding route progress and the name of the next bus stop are displayed. The IBIS is not only responsible for the control of the passenger information systems, but also for traffic signal preemption in Wuppertal. The control centre can directly transmit acoustic and visual information to one or all of the vehicles on the service route. The exact position of the vehicle is determined, evaluated and transmitted to the passenger information boards located at the bus stops using GPS. Passengers at the bus stops are thus informed in real time about exact arrival and departure times.

HighTec in urban buses

Four electric motors influence the driving characteristics of the Citaro. They accelerate the 18 meter long bus quickly and almost silently. As no transmission is used, passengers notice no jerking typical of gear changes. The drive output of the wheel hub motors is 320 kW, supplied as required by the battery and the diesel engine driven generator. These electric motors are also used for braking the vehicle. They then function like generators and convert the brake energy into electric current for the battery. If the battery indicates that it requires more power, the diesel engine automatically starts in order to generate additional energy. In comparison to a bus that runs on diesel only, the combustion engine is only half the size, weighs only 450 kg instead of 1000 kg and its engine capacity is 4.8 litres as opposed to 12 litres. At 160 kW, its output is about one third lower.

The energy storage unit used in the Mercedes‑Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is a lithium ion battery. The battery system supplies a maximum of 240 kW and, weighing less than 350 kg, is comparably light. Compared to conventional battery systems, batteries with ion technology impress with a higher energy density in conjunction with a greater storage capacity and lower weight.

WSW mobil GmbH

At present the 100 percent subsidiary of the Wuppertal Stadtwerke GmbH employs around 740 employees. In 2010, 89.6 million passengers used the WSW mobil GmbH services. The bus fleet comprises approximately 300 regular service buses. Together the 65 service routes are 633.7 km long, whereby the service stretches from Wuppertal and Solingen via Remscheid to as far away as parts of the Ennepe-Ruhr district.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz launches hybrid offensive: The world's most economical luxury-class model

Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its brand's core segment and at the same time setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, available as a Saloon and Estate, impresses with new record values when it comes to efficiency. It boasts exemplary consumption levels (4.2 l/100 km[1]) as well as impressive performance: the 4-cylinder diesel engine of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm. Combined with an electric motor producing 20 kW and 250 Nm, this results in a coherent overall concept. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world. The V6-cylinder petrol engine in the E 400 HYBRID produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm, and is also supplemented by a further 20 kW and 250 Nm from the electric motor. The consumption figures based on the American CAFE standard are: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg, Combined 27 mpg.


"With these two E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive. The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models", explains Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With a clear focus on the different requirements of global markets, we are able to offer precisely the models which our customers want. The E-Class hybrids provide a clear reduction in consumption as well as a very impressive driving experience: they represent hybrid motoring at the premium level."

The new models do not require their passengers to have to compromise when it comes to space, however, whether in terms of the interior or the luggage compartment. And there are also additional benefits to the intelligent modular hybrid concept, which represents a comprehensive enhancement of the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID which has advanced to the position of clear market leader since 2009: no changes to the vehicle body are required, the hybrid module is both flexible and modular, thus allowing its use in other model series, and in addition to diesel and petrol variants there will also be right-hand drive variants. Meanwhile, the extra cost involved here is only moderate. The new hybrid models will be celebrating their world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show (14 to 22 January 2012) and will appear on the market over the course of the year. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is initially planned to be launched on the European market, while the E 400 HYBRID will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later.

Highlights of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID at a glance:

- Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary

- Also available as an Estate

- Space, safety and comfort remain unchanged

- No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort

- Significant increase in comfort with start/stop operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort

- Top marks for consumption in the luxury-class business vehicle segment: 4.2 litres/100 km, 109 g CO2/km

- Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with 150 kW + 20 kW electric motor/500 Nm + 250 Nm, compared with the E 250 CDI (150 kW/500 Nm), positioning it at the same level as the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm)

- Fuel savings of around 15 percent compared with the E 250 CDI – even in actual road traffic conditions

- Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and "sailing" function)

Highlights of the E 400 HYBRID at a glance:

- Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary

- No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort

- Significant increase in comfort with start/stop operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort

- Consumption combined (CAFE): 27 mpg

- Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E 400 HYBRID by some 20 kW and 250 Nm thanks to the electric motor

- Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and "sailing" function)

[1] All consumption and performance figures are preliminary figures based on the Saloon model, as at December 2011




















Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.