2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid Fuel Efficiency Car

The S-class of Mercedes Benz in 2010 presents s hybrid powertrain for the first time. It’s a proof that the company shifts from diesel to a different approach that aims at efficiency and it finally acknowledges the need for hybrids on the market. It represents a trend on the road to electric propulsion. For the first time in Mercedes S400 Hybrid are used lithium-ion batteries .In comparison the Tesla Roadster merely uses Li-Ion batteries. Nothing new is brought to the market with the hybrid propulsion systems but what should be noted is that they are rare in the luxury class. Only Lexus was knows to stand there for several years.

The systems of Mercedes and Lexus perhaps would have been more efficient and differ from each other if different planets were used for their design place. The approach used in Lexus adds the additional USD 30000 to the sedan’s price and nearly GBP 600 more when a comparison must be made with the conventional LS460L. What you are presented with for this extra money is a 221 hp electric motor, a system with four wheel drive, a 5 liter V8 and batteries of type nickel metal hydride.

Mercedes-Benz S400 2010 Hybrid-fuel efficiency

What makes Mercedes different in this approach is that it has taken a different road, which adds less weight to the car and the complexity is reduced. Like Honda’s hybrid powertrain, the Mercedes has an electric motor that is shaped like ring and placed between the automatic transmission and the engine. Following Lexus trend Mercedes also uses shutdown of engine at stoplights and braking regeneration.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel fuel efficiency

Perhaps the first car that comes to your mind when you look for maximum gas mileage will be the hybrid Toyota Prius. Its shape that is distinctive and the technology used to produce it attract the attention. It’s not only a symbol of fuel efficiency but the car is known also to be friendly to the environment.

You’ll easily forget about other competitors for fuel efficiency because they either use electric motors or their look isn’t unique.  The diesel version of the compact sedan Volkswagen Jetta doesn’t boost with its technology allowing it to achieve on a highway 41 miles using just one gallon.

Jetta is not a Prius competitor when talking about gas mileage. It is rated by EPA for 34 miles per one gallon when mixed driving and only 33 miles per gallon when an automatic transmission is used. The Prius receives 46, but have in mind that driving gently will cost you more in gas mileage than driving vehicles that are powered conventionally.  The Prius’s unleaded fuel is also less expensive that diesel.

The Jetta’s premium qualities on the other hand distinguish it from its competitors that are high-mpg and from the Prius. All the features of Prius are designed for gas mileage maximization. While tires that are extra-hard have low rolling resistance, they also reduce the handling grip and the smoothness of the ride. The car has no excess of power and the luxury and refinement levels are low.