At the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is presenting its vision for a plug-in hybrid version of the new V-Class minivan. Actually, the appropriately named Concept V-ision-e (those dashes are from Mercedes, not from us) might actually be more than that, previewing a forthcoming production car.
At the heart of the concept is a modified version of the C350 e PHEV’s plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 208hp (211PS) 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a more potent 121hp (90kW) electric motor and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13.5 kWh.
This results in a system output of 328hp (333PS) and a 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft), with Mercedes quoting a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 206km/h (128mph).
The big passenger van returns a combined efficiency of 3 l/100km (79 mpg US or 94 mpg UK) on the NEDC cycle emitting 71 g/km of CO2. With a fully charged battery, it can run on pure electricity for about 50km or 31 miles.
“With pioneering Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid technology, we are able to increase the output of the most powerful V-Class currently available by a further 105 kW, while lowering consumption to that of a compact car. That’s what I call a forward-looking performance increase,” commented Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes‑Benz Vans.
The Concept V-ision-e also showcases the individualizations options available by Mercedes both on the outside, with the paint job and alloy wheel designs, and the inside with the trims, seats and gadgetry.