- When Is The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Coming Out?
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz Price and Competition
- New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Exterior and Colors
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Dimensions
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Engine and Performance
- Gas Mileage and Range
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Interior and Cargo
For those not ready to commit to the EQS, there's the S-Class Hybrid.
After a three-year hiatus, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid returns for 2023; it's an all-new car and is now called the S580e. The 2023 S-Class Hybrid can be seen as the bridge between the combustion-powered S-Class and the electric EQS, a midway mark for EV fans with range anxiety who want a gas engine as a backup. It's a superb hybrid, but it's quite the loner in its class currently, as there aren't any like-minded PHEVs to compare it to since both BMW and Audi no longer offer large sedan hybrids. With a starting price upwards of $120k, it slots in between the gas six- and eight-cylinder models. But is a plug-in model still relevant in the luxury sedan segment, or will it serve as a forgotten in-betweener – no more than stand-in transitional tech on our way to full electrification?
When Is The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Coming Out?
The release date for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid was set for the first half of 2023, so its arrival at dealerships in the USA is imminent.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Price and Competition
The MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid is $120,550 in base Luxury Line specification, and opting for the AMG Line version ups the starting cost to $124,800. A destination fee of $1,150 must be added to the base price of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid.
Rivals are a mix of gas and electric cars since there aren't any plug-in hybrids that directly compete at this level. The gas BMW 7 Series is priced from $95k while the all-electric i7 goes for upwards of $120k – it's more powerful, quicker to 60 mph, and runs without needing gas at all. With this in mind, it's worth remembering that the S-Class Hybrid has competition from within its own stable from the EQS Sedan, which is only slightly more expensive in EQS 580 4Matic guise ($125,950). It comes with 516 hp and a 4.1-second benchmark sprint time.
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Exterior and Colors
Unlike the futuristic and not-universally-loved “EV look” of the EQS, the Merc S-Class Hybrid looks like a suave S-Class with the familiar grille up front, all-LED exterior lighting, 19-inch twin 10-spoke wheels, and the broad stance that implies acres of space inside. A panorama roof is also standard, and if you want to up the stakes for a more aggressive look, the AMG Line can be specified to add AMG body styling and AMG-specific twin 5-spoke wheels. 20-inch wheels are also available, and an understated rear spoiler can be added.
The Night Package becomes available for those who choose the AMG Line trim, which will add jet-black accents to the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid. This kits out the front splitter, front air intakes, rear valance, window trim, and side mirrors in gloss black. This will look particularly striking if you choose a lighter hue from the palette – but we warned, there's an extensive list of exterior colors for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid to browse through. These range from black and blue through silver and gray to a deep red, an apt color reminiscent of a good Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also eleven special Manufaktur options to consider, priced from $1,750 to $6,500, including China Blue and Kalahari Gold Magno matte.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Dimensions
Dimensions for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid sedan include a 208.2-inch length stretched over a 126.6-inch wheelbase. It measures 83 inches in width (without the mirrors) and has a height of 59.2 inches.
Thanks to the extra weight of the hybrid components, the 2023 S-Class Hybrid tips the scales at over 5,400 pounds – around 700 lbs heavier than the gas S580 4Matic.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Engine and Performance
Whereas the standard S580 4Matic uses a four-liter biturbo V8 engine to make 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, the plug-in hybrid S580e gets a 3.0-liter inline-six paired to a 21.5 kWh battery and a permanently excited synchronous motor. The hybrid powertrain makes total outputs of 510 hp and 553 lb-ft. Mercedes says this is more than enough to get the big sedan from 0-60 mph in around the same time as the gas version, although initial forecasts saw it needing a few tenths of a second more to get there. We'll wait for independent tests on this one. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.
Like its gas sibling, the S580e has a nine-speed automatic rowing the gears and sending power to all four wheels. The automaker's ability to balance comfort and performance is highlighted in the S-Class, and even more so with the PHEV version; there's ample power for any maneuver on the road, but it's also smooth, refined, and comfy. Air suspension is standard, but the optional E-Active Body Control suspension will regulate the spring and damper forces on each individual wheel to counteract roll and pitch for the ultimate drive experience. This works in tandem with road surface scanning tech to ensure the highest levels of comfort.
Gas Mileage and Range
The benefit of a hybrid powertrain is evident not only in increased power but also at the pumps. For the new S-Class Hybrid, that means city/highway ratings of 20/29 mpg, or 53 MPGe in the city and 48 MPGe on the highway. This is a good improvement on the 16/25 mpg for the V8-powered S580. The S-Class PHEV can also travel for up to 46 miles on all-electric power alone – a range that is significantly improved over the previous plug-in S-Class model.
As for charging, the S-Class Hybrid comes with a 9.6 kW charger as standard, but an optional 60 kW DC fast charger is available, which will replenish from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Interior and Cargo
Part of the S-Class allure is an opulent cabin, and the interior of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid doesn't disappoint. It features comfort items like heated 12-way power front seats with memory and energizing kinetics and massage, 64-color ambient LED lighting, air balance purification and cabin fragrancing, dual-zone climate control, ventilation for the front seats, and soft-close doors. Options will include features we've seen on Maybach-spec models, such as calf massage in the rear seats and adaptive rear compartment lighting.
Expect only the finest materials here, with Nappa leather upholstery bedecking the seats in the Merc S-Class Hybrid. A wood and leather steering wheel is standard, and interior trim ranges from Slate Poplar Wood, Brown Burl Walnut Wood, and Natural Grain Anthracite Fineline Wood at no cost to Black Piano Lacquer and Manufaktur Natural Grain Walnut Wood with aluminum lines for between $1,300 and $3,200. Interior colors for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid include Black, Sienna Brown, Macchiato Beige, Carmine Red, and Silver Grey.
The extensive use of plush materials to create a lounge-like atmosphere doesn't mean you won't find plenty of tech inside the S-Class Hybrid, either. A 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen sits front and center and houses the MBUX software that runs the infotainment setup. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is provided for the driver, and there are steering wheel controls as well as voice controls, and an interior assistant.
Navigation with augmented video is standard, and a high-end Burmester 3D surround sound system takes care of audio – and of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included along with Bluetooth connection and wireless charging. For a truly executive experience, the rear cabin can be equipped with wireless headsets, an entertainment system, an even more advanced sound system, and an interior assistant.
While hardly the most important aspect of the car, cargo space in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid is not as impressive at 8.1 cubic feet as it is in the regular S-Class (12.9 cubes). Still, it's not like you're going to use this sedan for moving houses or ferrying a soccer team around. And the interior has the necessary nooks and crannies for phones, wallets, and pocket contents.
Keyword: 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid First Look Review: The Next Step Up