Comparison of hybrid and diesel drive concepts

T ief like that Oil wells in the North Sea are the prejudices that the hybrid drive has to grapple with: it is particularly beneficial in the city, but on the autobahn, its work would fizzle out completely, and the extra weight carried along could even more than compensate for its consumption advantage. In theory, that may be true, but in practice every hybrid that has passed an auto motor und sport test has shone with good to very good consumption values.

Mercedes S-Class offers three drive concepts

Little thirst now also means moderate taxation. Because if fuel consumption falls, carbon dioxide emissions fall to the same extent, which in turn reduces the oppressive tax burden. Anyone who opts for a Mercedes S 400 Hybrid (Mercedes S400 Hybrid in the test) with 299 PS system output, pays 96 euros less to the tax authorities than the owner of a 272 PS strong S 350. Measured against the diesel models of the series, the tax is almost negligible. The hybrid consumption is practically on a diesel level. In the test medium - which also includes many kilometers of motorway - not even eight liters flow through the injection nozzles. The 235-hp six-cylinder in the 350 CDI is satisfied with 7.6 L /100 km, but grows with 540 Newton meters of torque. The hybrid S-Class can't keep up with 385 Newton meters - at least not on paper.

When pulling through, the hybrid wins

On the other hand, the difference is hardly significant on the road because the electric motor has its momentum with the first Revs and gives the petrol engine powerful support from a standing start. In terms of draft, the hybrid is the first choice - despite cost disadvantages in terms of maintenance. In addition, it calms the environmental conscience with its Euro 5 classification, which the CDI-S classes lack. The best pollutant values ​​are a matter of course in the third-generation Toyota Prius. In addition, with its extremely low consumption, it has long since arrived in the diesel league. Because every liter of diesel burned releases 13.4 percent more CO2 than a liter of petrol, the Toyota Prius the diesel engines are far behind when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions. That was already the case with the predecessor, and the Honda Insight shows that even a comparatively simple hybrid -Technology is very good for saving.

The Lexus RX 450h is the most economical SUV

In the luxury class, other virtues are in the foreground, here Last but not least, running culture and strength are important purchasing arguments. The Lexus LS 600h has plenty of both offer, even more than the Mercedes S 400 Hybrid. Nevertheless, the Lexus LS 600 h with By far the most economical eight-cylinder on the market, which even the big diesels cannot hold a candle to. Those who are satisfied with six cylinders will find alternatives with diesel engines in the Audi A8 3.0 TDI or BMW 730d. A look at the large SUV shows a similar picture. Nobody is as economical as the Lexus RX 450h, with CO2 emissions it remains almost 100 g /km below the second-placed BMW X5 30i. The CO2 emissions that are decisive for taxation are determined in the laboratory during a standardized test bench run (new European driving cycle: NEDC). But the hybrid can not only play out all of its advantages on the roll, as the auto motor und sport test consumption shows.

Conclusion - save at any price?

In the compact class, it seems almost imperative to opt for a hybrid for ecological reasons. Even on the autobahn, their thirst is very limited - as is their temperament. Wherever a small diesel still rushes forward in order to quickly complete an overtaking maneuver, long-suffering is required, especially with Insight, because the pulling power is not too great. Hybrid novices should be prepared for this. Those who do not want that are better off with the diesel. In the large classes, however, hybrid customers do not have to reckon with such restrictions, here hybrids are fully-fledged alternatives to conventional drives.