Shangri-La Group goes hybrid

Compared to the usual nickel-metal hydride batteries in other hybrids, the S400 hybrid uses the more reliable Lithium-ion.

Peninsula Hotels is not alone in believing that the cars used by its guests forms an integral part of the experience—after all, the cars are often the first point of contact as a guest arrives at a city’s airport.

Shangri-La Group recently acquired the services of a fleet of Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrids. CATS Motors partnered with Avis to provide the fleet service for Shangri-La Hotels. The S400 Blue Hybrid was the first to adapt a Lithium-ion battery to a passenger car. Compared to the usual nickel-metal hydride batteries in other hybrids, the new battery provides a higher ampere-hour rating and longer service life. The S400 Blue Hybrid combines the power of a 299 horsepower and 375 Nm engine, attains zero to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds, with the efficiency of a quoted 12.65 km/liter efficiency. Shangri-La’s hybrid limousine fleet cuts harmful emissions as well as fuel consumption, in line with the hotel chain’s advocacy for an environmentally sustainable business.—Jason K. Ang