Mercedes opens sales for new S-Class PHEV

Mercedes-Benz opens sales of the new S-Class as a plug-in hybrid in time with the schedule set at the debut last year. Clients can now order the S 580 e opting for a short or long wheelbase at list prices starting at 123,736 euros.

++ This article has been updated. Kindly continue reading below. ++

The plug-in hybrid has an electric drive delivering 110 kW and, as already indicated at the presentation in September 2020, can drive all-electrically for about 100 kilometres (WLTP). An 11-kW charger is on board as standard for three-phase charging on the AC grid, and a 60-kW DC charger is available for fast charging with direct current. With the latter, charging the battery should take around 30 minutes.

The PHEV drive comprised a six-cylinder in-line engine with 270 kW from the current generation of engines from Mercedes-Benz and said 110 kW E-motor with a torque of 480 Nm. The top speed in the Electric driving program is 140 km/h, according to the manufacturer.

Compared with the predecessor, the fourth-gen Mercedes-Benz’ hybrid drive is notably further ranging. The zero-emission driving range has more than doubled. The new arrangement of the battery in the vehicle also means that the luggage compartment now offers a load-through option.

On the outside, the new-generation S-Class continues to follow the familiar concept of a short overhang at the front, a long wheelbase and a “balanced” overhang at the rear – to achieve classic sedan proportions. The front is dominated by the radiator grille, although the S-Class is somewhat more discreet in this respect than a BMW 7 Series or the current or the current Audi A8. In addition, the model is offered in four new paint finishes for a surcharge of between €880.10 and €5,331.20.

As it is the S-Class, talk about comfort. Mercedes lists ‘E-Active Body Control’ – as an extra – which supplements (utilizing the 48-volt on-board power supply) the standard air suspension so that the vehicle level is kept constant regardless of the load. On bad roads, the system can recover some energy by compressing the 48-volt actuators. In addition, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees is said to reduce the turning circle by up to two meters.

Among other things, the model adapts new interior functions of the MBUX system from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. In principle, the number of control units installed in the car rises to over 100. After all, over 50 electronic components can be updated over the air with new software – including the MBUX, the driver display and the headlights. As an optional extra, Mercedes offers a ‘Digital Light’ system in which each of the front headlights has three extremely bright LEDs and 1.3 million micromirrors. Moreover, with a resolution of 2.6 million pixels, auxiliary markings or warning symbols can be illuminated more precisely.

Apart from the PHEV, Mercedes also launched the new S-Class as an alternative mild-hybrid called the S 580 4MATIC. The V8 gasoline engine with an integrated second-generation starter generator and the 48-volt system is also available with both wheelbases from 126,366.10 euros.

Update 17 November 2021

Mercedes now offers its S-Class as a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel-drive. Following the sales launch of the S 580 e in July, the all-wheel-drive variant with the name suffix 4Matic now follows. The S 580 e 4Matic is available with a short and long wheelbase and can be ordered with immediate effect at prices starting at 132,125.70 euros.

The performance data of the drive (110 kW electric, 270 kW from the combustion engine) do not change. While a fully electric range of over 100 kilometres according to WLTP is possible for the rear-wheel-drive, Daimler does not specify an electric range in the announcement for the new all-wheel-drive. As the power consumption is higher here (21.9-25.5 kWh/100km instead of 20.2-22.0 kWh/100km for the rear-wheel-drive model), the S 580 e 4Matic is only likely to achieve a double-digit standard range in E-mode.

Another innovation: for the first time, the S-Class is available with a leather-free interior. The seats are then upholstered in fabric. Door trim, instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel rim are in ‘Artico’ imitation leather. Prices for the leather-free version are only available on request.

Update 15 February 2023

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced pricing for the all-new S-Class Plug-in Hybrid. Starting from $122,550 and offering a WLTP range of more than 100 km (~62 miles), the S 580e 4MATIC is now available to order and will arrive in US dealerships in the first half of 2023.

A 9.6 kW charger is included as a standard on-board charger, while an optional 60 kW DC charger is also available for fast charging. According to Mercedes, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes with the 60 kW DC charger.

daimler.com, daimler.com (update), mbusa.com (update II)