Mercedes-Benz offers several all-electric vehicles as part of its EQ sub-brand, including the EQS and EQB SUVs and EQS Sedan — a battery-powered counterpart to the brand’s flagship S-Class sedan. Shoppers that want the efficiency of an EV with the range serenity of a gas-powered engine can now find it in the plug-in hybrid variant of the S-Class: Last offered in the previous-generation 2020 S560e, the S580e returns for 2023 as the most powerful S-Class outside of the high-performance AMG line.
Related: 2021-22 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review: A Maestro Shrouded by Tech
New PHEV Brings HP Bump
While the standard 2023 S580 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the S580e shares a turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with the S500. The six-cylinder is paired with a 21.5-kilowatt-hour battery and an electric motor for a total system output of 510 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque; Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system comes standard.
The PHEV’s automaker-estimated specs improve upon the S580’s 496 hp and 516 pounds-feet, but its 0-60 mph sprint takes 5.1 seconds — slightly longer than the S580’s 4.4 seconds. According to Mercedes, the S580e is more agile thanks to the electric motor’s instantly available peak torque of 369 pounds-feet.
Additionally, Mercedes’ E-Active Body Control air suspension system will be available. The system prevents the sedan’s weight from shifting, which was a highlight of the 2022 S-Class’ driving experience. As a bonus, it also offers added protection in an impending side-impact crash by raising the vehicle body slightly.
All-Electric Range and Charging
Mercedes says the new PHEV’s all-electric range has more than doubled compared to the previous model. Based on the EPA-rated 19 miles, shoppers should expect around 40 miles of all-electric range. Note, however, that Mercedes has only offered range estimates based on European testing requirements, which typically fall short of U.S. estimates, and the S580e has not been EPA-rated.
When it comes to charging, the sedan gets a standard 9.6-kilowatt charger, while an available 60-kW DC fast charger can bring the battery from 10% to 80% charge in 20 minutes, according to the automaker’s estimates.
Familiar Tech and Amenities
An interior photo of the S580e reveals the same high-tech features of the current S-Class, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen center display with the latest version of the MBUX multimedia system. Additionally, the sedan will borrow several comfort features from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’ interior, including customizable lighting with reading spotlights and a calf massage function for the rear seats.
Pricing and Release Date
The S580e will start at $123,700 (including a $1,150 destination charge). That splits the difference between the 2023 S-Classes, which currently start at $115,650 for the S500 and $125,150 for the S580. The S580e will go on sale in the first half of 2023, and shoppers can place an order now on the automaker’s website.
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