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2015 Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid (CNET On Cars, Episode 71)

Brian Cooley tries to discover where a plug-in S-Class fits, the new F-150 inspires change in pickup crash tests and we demystify an oxymoron: dry sump lubrication.

Brian Cooley Editor at Large
Brian Cooley is CNET's Editor at large and has been with the brand since 1995. He currently focuses on electrification of vehicles but also follows the big trends in smart home, digital healthcare, 5G, the future of food, and augmented & virtual realities. Cooley is a sought after presenter by brands and their agencies when they want to understand how consumers react to new technologies. He has been a regular featured speaker at CES, Cannes Lions, Advertising Week and The PHM HealthFront™. He was born and raised in Silicon Valley when Apple's campus was mostly apricots.
Expertise Automotive technology, smart home, digital health. Credentials
  • 5G Technician, ETA International
See full bio
Brian Cooley

Watch this: 2015 Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid (CNET On Cars, Episode 71)

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In this episode:

  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550e Plug-in Hybrid: Who was asking for this car?
  • Smarter Driver: Biggest innovation in the new F-150 is crash controversy.
  • Car Tech 101: Dry Sump Lubrication, the greatest oxymoron of performance engines.
  • Email
    • How to convert units in auto tests
    • The two kinds of gallons
    • Why Euro cars get such high mileage.
  • Top 5: Car technologies you really want.

Cooley was wondering who the plug-in hybrid S-Class was for and after days with it still isn't sure. Its the companies first plug-in, but doesn't do a whole lot that is terribly unique, aside from bombarding you with a lot of confusing drive modes you won't touch after the novelty of a new car wears off. But it does have S Class luxury in spades, and that's enough to make it an important car.

Ford's new F-150's biggest innovation may be change in the way pickup trucks are crash tested. We do into the controversy and explain how its changing pickup truck design as we speak.

Our inbox has been overflowing this year so we're going to triple the amount of email we handle in each show. This episode answers a trio of questions about the units and measurements of a car's power and efficiency, which vary widely around the world.

Now that its three times more likely your email will make it into the show, send it to oncars@cnet.com