Mercedes-Benz publishes lifecycle analysis of its first PHEV SUV: GLE 500 e
22 December 2015
Mercedes-Benz has released the lifecycle analysis for its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC (GLE 550e in the US). (Earlier post.)
The GLE 500 e 4MATIC burns 3.7–3.3 liters of fuel for every 100 km (63.5 to 71.2 mpge), equating to CO2 emissions of 84–78 g/km; electric power consumption is 16.7 kWh per 100 km. All-electric range is up to 30 km (18.6 miles), and all-electric top speed is 130 km/h (81 mph)—corresponding to the recommended speed on German autobahns.
|
|
The plug-in hybrid powertrain comprises a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection gasoline engine with 245 kW (333 hp); a hybrid module with 85 kW (116 hp) of electric power integrated into the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission; and an 8.7 kWh Li-ion battery pack.
Peak system torque is 650 N·m (479 lb-ft), while the system’s overall output is 325 kW (442 hp). This enables the full-size SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).
Compared with the conventional GLE 500 4MATIC, external charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO2 emissions by around 37% (31.9 tonnes); a greater reduction of 58% (50.3 tonnes) is possible if renewable electricity is used.
When the individual life cycle phases are considered in detail, the energy required to produce the plug-in hybrid vehicle is initially higher than for its conventional cousin: 234 GJ versus 190 GJ, or about 23% higher. In the operating phase, however, energy requirements are reduced significantly due to the vehicle’s efficiency.
The best result is achieved when renewable energy is used to charge the batteries. Over the entire life cycle, this can translate into primary energy savings of 42%. This is equivalent to the energy content of around 4,385 gallons of gasoline.
A great example of why the 'suits' (head honcho's) should be paid more to stay home.
All electric top speed 85kw is 130klm. The max 'recommended' speed limit on Germany's autobahns.
Australia with capital to capital 2000klm journeys has one controversial open speed limit stretch somewhere out past 'the black stump' otherwise 110km is the max freeway speed limit . No point in being 'in a hurry'.
Any one wanting to exceed that speed needs an appropriate 'club or race' licence and appropriate paperwork for use on designated facilities (race track)
Why take a perfectly useful fuel efficient V6 @325kw? 84g/klm ?? powertrain that would (or should) be quite adequate for a 20ton semi or tractor trailer and fit it to what will inevitably be a suburban shopping cart/ mum's taxi.
Take a great looking AWD waggon and fit those ridiculous and expensive low profile tyres. I'll bet you that asking for a practical dirt road 70 or 78 profile, (letalone offroad) option will throw the dealership into meltdown.
The way the industry is going, most ordinary people with sensible needs will be priced out while the wealthy chattering classes compete for high exposure parking spaces to show ostentatious ignorance.
Another great product that will probably sell well enough to sheik playboys.
Ordinary Consumers lose, consumerism wins.
Posted by: Arnold | 22 December 2015 at 12:40 PM
How far will it go at 130 km/hr (81 mph). Certainly considerably less than 30 km (18 miles). 130 km/hr is not a ridiculously high speed. Most of interstates in Utah are posted for 80 mph and even the urban sections are posted at 70 mph which is the typical rush hour speed. If you are going to build an electric vehicle, it needs to keep up with the rest of the traffic.
Posted by: sd | 23 December 2015 at 01:28 PM