SHARP Drives: Plug-In Hybrid Mercedes-Benz S 580e Is the Best S-Class

Matt Bubbers March 8, 2024

If you were a C-suite exec in the market for a grand luxury car, the choice used to be easy: S-Class or 7 Series, or perhaps an A8. They were all good, so the decision came down largely to individual taste. Today, the choice is much more difficult but also much more interesting.

For starters, there’s not just one S-Class anymore. Mercedes-Benz, like its rivals from Munich, offers the flagship sedan with your choice of power: electric, gasoline, or both. Drivers can choose from the all-electric EQS, the conventional S-Class, or a new plug-in hybrid S-Class called the Mercedes-Benz S 580e. To complicate matters furthers there’s a range of high-power AMG models. Newcomers like Genesis are muscling into Mercedes territory, as are ultra-lux brands including Bentley with its Flying Spur.

We’re here to simplify the choice, at least a little bit. Once you’ve decided to go with the Benz, we can confirm — after having driven nearly all the various models — that the plug-in hybrid S 580e is the best S-Class for most drivers. (Yes, we like it even more than the EQS). Here’s why.

Ultimate Flexibility

We’re not going too deep into the oily details here, but plug-in hybrids — know as PHEVs or sometimes just plug-ins — are essentially the best of both worlds. These cars have a conventional gas-burning engine and a beefy electric motor; they can be filled up at a gas station and/or plugged-in at an EV charger. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to find something to power a PHEV.

Range anxiety? Not an issue, since you can always refuel at a gas station. For anyone hesitant to make the jump to a pure EV, a PHEV is often the perfect solution. (And, who knows, maybe a gateway drug to EV ownership in the future?)

Merc’s S 580e offers 148 horsepower from an electric motor that works with a 362 hp, 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. Combined they offer a very healthy 503 horsepower, which for those keeping track is more than you get in the conventional non plug-in S 580.

Effortless Power

PHEVs sound complex, but — at least in the S 580e — the experience is effortless. Just get in a drive; the car automatically sorts out what power source to use.

The electric motor has the added benefit of making the big S-Class feel more responsive too. Hit the throttle and the Merc’s electric motor responds instantly with a big hit of torque that masks any lag from the combustion engine’s turbo or the gearbox. The 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds doesn’t accurately reflect just how snappy and quick this car feels.

The downside of PHEVs are mechanical complexity and added weight, but for most drivers shopping in the S-Class price bracket the positives far outweigh the negatives.

EV Mode

Yes, in Ontario, the S 580e qualifies for the coveted green licence plate. That means owners can drive on highway High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes with any number of occupants.

In EV mode, the 580e is rated for up to 74 kilometres of driving range. During our time with the car it didn’t quite get 74 km, but it got close enough. For the vast majority of Canadian commuters, the 580e has enough battery-power that you’d never burn a drop of gas. Need to do a longer trip? No problem; the S580e has a total range of around 700 kilometres. You’ll need to stop before this car does.

The caveat here is that you’ll want a garage or driveway to plug the car in overnight so you always start the day with a full tank of electricity. Of course, anyone in the market for a car with a starting price of $159,500 is likely to have a dedicated parking space so it’s a non-issue.

Timeliness Design

Make up your own mind about the jellybean-shaped Mercedes-EQS, but there’s no doubt the S 580e is a more timeless design. It doesn’t push the envelope, but it looks handsome and will suit any occasion. (The S-Class is the Rolex Datejust of cars.) We like the PHEV’s interior better too. There’s less smudge-prone black glass inside, and the overall design feels more calming and luxurious.

The extended wheelbase means the car’s rear seats offer plenty of space to stretch one’s legs. Owners can specify three or two rear seats, with the latter option providing a first-class airline-seat level of luxury. (Actually it’s better than that; you get leather throw pillows, a neck-heater for chilly days, a full-body massage function.) Mercedes offers 16 standard leather combinations and six different trims — the silver aluminum/fanned walnut is gorgeous — and that’s before you even dip into bespoke options.

In terms of price, the $159,500 Mercedes-Benz S 580e is essentially on-par with its all-electric Mercedes-EQS counterpart. The choice is yours, but, for all those reasons, we’d go 580e every time.