Electric driving in all vehicle segments.

The intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. It takes into account e.g. navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route. Plug-in hybrids are also an important milestone on the way to emission-free driving. Mercedes-Benz Cars is systematically developing its plug-in hybrids further under the EQ Power label. EQ Power is also a guarantee of exceptional dynamism.

With the help of the EQ Ready App, Mercedes-Benz has established how long the journeys of people interested in e-mobility are on average. Car drivers can use this app to analyse their user behaviour and receive a recommendation of the electric model most suitable for them. The results show that

• 90 percent of all journeys are shorter than 50 kilometers,
• 96 percent of all journeys are shorter than 100 kilometers and
• 99 percent of all journeys are shorter than 400 kilometers,

The range of average distances per journey by interested persons varies in the individual markets, extending from just over eight kilometers in Hong Kong to slightly more than 27 kilometers in the Netherlands, where there is particularly high interest in e-mobility. This means that many journeys can be undertaken exclusively under electric power with the current plug-in models of Mercedes-Benz.

With an electric output of 95 kW (129 hp) and an all-electric range of around 100 kilometres (WLTP), the plug-in hybrid C-Class will operate in all-electric mode in many cases - and on many days without using the combustion engine at all. This is the two-litre variant of the ultra-modern M 254 four-cylinder engine.

The high-voltage (HV) battery has been developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz AG. It is part of a fourth-generation family of batteries and represents a logical evolution of the previous generation. It consists of 96 cells in a so-called pouch configuration. The battery has a total capacity of 25.4 kWh, thereby bringing about a significant increase in electrical range to around 100 kilometres.

To account for the high energy density, the HV battery has an internal cooling system. The thermal management system can therefore control the operating temperature irrespective of the climate control in the vehicle interior. In addition to continuous operation in hot and cold regions, this also allows quick charging with direct current. Even when the battery is completely discharged, it can be fully charged in around 30 minutes with the optional 55 kW DC charger.

The positioning of the battery in the vehicle brings advantages on a day-to-day basis compared with the previous model: there is no longer a step in the boot, and through-loading is now possible. This improvement is particularly noticeable in the Estate model: the length of the luggage compartment floor has increased by 63 mm to 1043 mm. Tall crates or cases of bottles can be loaded under the cassettes of the retractable luggage cover and dividing net without problems, as the height of the luggage compartment has increased by 150 mm to 732 mm. Compared to the previous model, the luggage capacity has increased by 45 litres to 360 litres, while with the rear seats folded down the Estate model can even accommodate 1375 litres (40 l more).

All in all, the driving experience is significantly more electric. In view of the increase in electric range to around 100 kilometres, drivers will be able to cover most everyday journeys under electric power alone. The energy recovery function allows kinetic energy to be recuperated during deceleration or downhill driving, a process that has now also been improved in interaction with the hydraulic brake.

The energy recovery output is now over 100 kW. The intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. It takes into account such factors as navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route. A driver wishing to influence the energy recovery rate can do so directly in three stages controlled by rocker switches behind the steering wheel. This is possible in all driving modes except SPORT. In the driving mode D-, for example, the driver can experience the "one-pedal feeling": When the driver takes his foot off the accelerator the vehicle slows down, purely by electric means, to such an extent that the hydraulic foot brake is often not needed.

The new GLC is available only as a hybrid: either as a plug-in hybrid or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and integrated starter generator. The engine range has four-cylinder units from the current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. Accordingly, the engine range plays a major role in the flexibility of the international production network, with needs-based electrification. The power spectrum of the four-cylinder engines ranges up to 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque in the petrol models, and up to 195 kW and 550 Nm in the diesel models, each plus up to 17 kW and 200 Nm of electrical support from the ISG.

Systematic electrification means:

• All the drive systems available for the GLC are hybrids.
• Four of these are mild-hybrid units, which receive intelligent support in the low rpm range with a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) in conjunction with a 48-volt electrical system.
• Three further engine variants are plug-in hybrids, including an all-electric driving mode and a range of more than 100 kilometres.

The integrated starter-generator with the petrol and diesel engines provides intelligent support in the low rpm range. In combination with turbocharging, this ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as "gliding", boost or recuperation and thus significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from "gliding" with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.

Another member in the EQ Power model range is the GLE 350, which is available in two variations. The GLE 350 e 4MATIC (weighted fuel consumption 1,3-0,9 l/100 km, weighted CO₂ emissions 29-21 g/km, weighted power consumption 26.6-23.2 kWh/100 km)** and the GLE 350 de 4MATIC (weighted fuel consumption 1,0-0,7 l/100 km, weighted CO₂ emissions 25-18 g/km, weighted power consumption 26.4-23.9 kWh/100 km)**. Its considerably longer range compared to the other plug-in hybrids points the way to an even more rewarding e-driving experience. Key data:

• Electric operating range of 106km (NEDC)
• Electric output 100 kW
• System output 235 kW/320 hp
• System torque 700 Nm
• Top speed up to 160 km/h (electric)/210 km/h (overall)
• Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds