The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class based C63 AMG delivers up to 375 kW, 700 Nm and covers zero to 100 km/h acceleration time in 4.0 seconds. Supercar performance, and that is with consumption figures of under 9.0 L/100 km. With figures like that, one can see why M-B is persisting with internal combustion engines.
Mercedes-Benz says sales of the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered Mercedes B-Class F-Cell are only possible with an extensive Californian refueling network.
Germany’s hydrogen fueling station density is only beaten by California which has 12 operating in the greater Los Angeles area and more than 20 further stations planned, and Japan which plans to more than double its 17 filling stations by 2015.
Until a clear favorite alternative powertrain becomes apparent, M-B public relations and product communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said the company would be pursuing all feasible options and providing an option for as many global markets as possible.
“We’ve got every base covered,” he said. “We’re doing diesel-hybrid, petrol-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell. We are entertaining all avenues because the other question that is difficult to answer is – what is the future of mobility in general?”
Most of the major manufacturers are caught in this dilemma. What is next? In the meantime, Thailand is best served with diesel.
