Mercedes has now pulled the plugs on its S, C, and E Class vehicles as well as an electrified version of the GLE so that it could tools up to replace them with its third generation plug-in hybrid technology.
When production resumes, the cars with plugs will be marketed under the new EQ brand the company will use to distinguish its electrified cars from its conventional offerings.
What’s different about the third generation technology? More power, longer range, and higher top speeds. The new system features a nine-speed automatic gearbox packaged together with a clutch and an electric motor in a single unit, which can then be coupled with a variety of internal combustion engines.
The new electric motor adds 121 horsepower and up to 325 lb-ft of torque to the powertrain. All electric range is now up to 31 miles — about 10 more miles than in the second generation cars. Top speed on electric power alone is now 87 mph, up from 81.
The new EQ-branded S Class plug-in will be known as the 560e and will go on sale in the UK this fall. It will cross the Atlantic to North America in the middle of 2019. It will feature a 6-cylinder gasoline engine. The same powertrain will appear later in the updated GLE.
The third generation C Class sedan will be offered in the UK with either a 4-cylinder diesel or gas engine. A diesel engine E Class will follow. Both models will make their debut before the end of 2018.