AUTHOR Robert Gillespie

New S Class To Avoid Congestion Charge?

It’s possible that Mercedes Benz new S class that is to be introduced to the UK in 2014 could avoid congestion charges, how? Mercedes-Benz could be launching a 74g/km version of the S class meaning it would be hybrid and qualifying for a massive discount when it comes to the London congestion charges and will get the lowest rate currently available for BIK tax. The struggle with making it 74g/km is that as the threshold of the tax is 75g/km they will. need to make sure that the CO2 does not increase even marginally due to homologation.

All of the other S Class versions will be liable to have the full London congestion charges however this special ultra-low CO2 model will potentially avoid it. The car is specifically built in order to avoid the congestion charge hopefully appealing to more Londoners. The model will have a short range of zero emission driving but also have a petrol engine to ensure a longer travelling range if it is required to do so. Unfortunately however this model would be priced at the top of the S Class range as hybrid vehicles always command more money in general which is what puts people off the appeal of being green or avoiding congestion charges.

Mercedes are still maintaining that the reason for the price is viable however there also in the new model will be a reduced amount of luggage space which is used to store the battery. Whatever happens it definitely shows that the roads can be more green if even a big luxury brand car such as the S Class Mercedes can avoid the congestion charge due to being a 74g/km emission car, even though it is however only marginal. What’s your opinion should more cars be trying to avoid the congestion charges due to lowering their emissions?

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.

Robert Gillespie

Traveller