VW vs. Mercedes: Full hybrid 400 V versus 48 V in comparison

Drive technology Mercedes vs. VW: How the New Full Hybrids Differ

2026-07-13 By Gernot Goppelt | Translated by AI 7 min Reading Time

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Volkswagen introduced its first series-parallel full hybrid in April. Mercedes recently launched a 48-volt full hybrid. The two concepts could hardly be more different.

The design of the VW drivetrain. The two electric motors are axially arranged, and a multi-plate clutch enables through-drive for parallel operation.(Image: VW) — The design of the VW drivetrain. The two electric motors are axially arranged, and a multi-plate clutch enables through-drive for parallel operation.
(Image: VW)

Previously, some thought that mild and 48-volt hybrids were essentially the same. That’s not entirely true, as shown by Mercedes' new 48-volt full hybrid, which can drive a little electrically. And up until now, full hybrids from German manufacturers were usually parallel hybrids. But that's no longer the case: Volkswagen is launching its first serial-parallel full hybrid in series production, which is essentially designed from the perspective of the electric drive.

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