In the new year, a flood of PHEV models will be launched that can travel more than 100 km solely on electric power, thanks to increased battery capacity. In daily life, these vehicles can operate without any internal combustion engine involvement, and even on long trips, a significant portion of the range can be covered by electricity, contributing to carbon reduction.
At the forefront of this movement is Land Rover. During the launch event for the Range Rover Sport, Land Rover announced the upcoming release of PHEV models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV combines a 6-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine with a 142-horsepower electric motor and a 38.2 kWh battery, producing a formidable system output of 510 horsepower. Not only does it boast impressive power, but it can also achieve a WLTP-rated range of 113 km, allowing for a daily life free of internal combustion engines. The Range Rover Sport PHEV is expected to be released in the first half of next year, along with a similarly spec’d Range Rover PHEV set to be imported into the country.
Mercedes-Benz is also set to launch PHEV models with ranges exceeding 100 km. The stars of this release are the 3rd generation GLC and the S-Class. The GLC PHEV model, GLC300e 4MATIC, combines an engine with a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a maximum torque of 32.7 kg.m with an electric motor producing up to 136 horsepower and 44.9 kg.m of torque, resulting in a total performance of 313 horsepower and 56.1 kg.m of torque. The PHEV model is equipped with a 31.2 kWh battery, capable of achieving a WLTP-rated range of 130 km.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is also preparing to launch its PHEV model, the S580e 4MATIC. The S580e 4MATIC combines a 6-cylinder gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 367 horsepower with an electric motor generating up to 150 horsepower, delivering impressive performance. The S580e has an energy consumption of 4.95 km/kWh according to WLTP standards and can travel a total of 115 km solely on electric power. Furthermore, its carbon emissions stand at 14 g per km, which is significantly lower compared to the S580 4MATIC, which emits a maximum of 252 g per km, making it effective in reducing carbon footprints.
Both the PHEV models from Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover are set to hit the domestic market next year.
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr