Without doubt, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the leading marquee when it comes to luxury sedans. Currently, on its seventh generation, the S-Class promises cutting-edge technology, leading the path for never-seen-before features that are later on brought to the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup and copied by other automakers years after.
The W223 S-Class is one of the most beautiful sedans of 2022, and it comes in so many trim levels and engine layouts. Today we will take a closer look at the S580e L which unfortunately does not sell in the US, but for now it seems like it will be a very popular model in Europe.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Mercedes-Benz S580e L the best luxury plug-in hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz S580e L: Starting With The Commons
What’s mutual between the S-Class offered in the US and the S580e L is the interior quality. This is what makes the W223 S-Class sit on top of the game when it comes to luxury sedans. For starters, the new infotainment system, backed by the intelligent MBUX system, which sits on the centerpiece of the dashboard, is what controls all the intelligent functions and great features the S-Class carries. Titled to the drivers' side for easier use, this is one of the best infotainment systems you can get in 2022. Mercedes has kept the design flawless - the digital cockpit mated with a heads-up display ensures safe driving and luxury touch-ups. The driver display is also optionally available in 3D with facial recognition. This can monitor driver drowsiness and exterior mirror settings.
Because of the high-quality materials, top-of-the-line luxury amenities, and exquisite ambient lighting, every trip in the S-Class is a mystical experience. Furthermore, heated and cooled seats in the front and rear with massaging capabilities, and lumbar support ensure the best ride quality for both driver and passengers. With the S580e L, things get a bit more luxurious, as the L stands for long wheelbase. With a larger wheelbase comes more interior room, which Mercedes put to use on the back seats. Long wheelbase versions are typically the ones bought from the executive class. Greater interior room paired with all the great amenities the S-Class has to offer, add up to a premium interior.
Add $5000 to the bill of your Premium or Premium Plus model for the Executive line, and you get a list of premium L-only features. This includes the MBUX rear tablet with 7-inch touchscreen; electric sunblinds in rear doors and rear window; double sun visors with pivoting section; chauffeur package with a foldable, removable head restraint on the front passenger seat and front passenger seats that are adjustable from the back of the car.
Mercedes-Benz S580e L: Ride Quality Of A Plug-in Hybrid
Not to mention the ride quality hybrid cars offer, the car itself has an inline-six gas engine paired with an electric motor to make up a total of 510 horsepower. The ICE engine itself produces 367 hp while the 28.6 kWh battery system produces 150 horsepower that kicks in instantly - and most importantly without any disturbing noises or harmful gas. The engine is mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the S-Class line.
The given powertrain makes the S580e L one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles, as the car can deliver up to 353.1 MPG and emits just 18 g/km of CO2. The lithium-ion battery can be charged in 10 minutes (20-80%) or under four hours using a DC rapid charger or home wallbox. The estimated acceleration time for the Mercedes-Benz S580e L would be 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The air suspension on the Mercedes S-Class is excellent. It provides a luxurious ride and maintains a constant softness at low speeds. The E-Active Body Control scans the road ahead for bumps and adjusts the suspension to provide a smoother ride. Overall, the inline-six gas engine offers a quiet ride, while the 9-speed automatic transmission makes shifting as smooth as cutting butter. The electric range is yet to be announced, but what we know so far is that the S580e can travel up to 90mph using only its electric motors.
This Is How The S580e L Stacks Up Against The Competition
When it arrives in the US market, the S580e L is estimated to cost around $149,000 with optional upgrades sending the price even higher. The Mercedes S580e L might not be the best bang for your buck, as cars like the Genesis G90 and Volvo S90 give buyers almost the same features at a more affordable price, BMW gets those horsepower working faster, but the S-Class holds a more respectable ranking when it comes to luxury sedans. It’s been like that for quite some years now, and things seem to be the same yet again.
When it comes to hybrid luxury sedans, the Audi A8 TFSI e is what comes the closest to the S580e performance wise. It’s less powerful than the Mercedes, and it falls down in several key areas where its main luxury competitors stand out – namely the ride quality and refinement, as described by Autoexpress.