With the introduction of the new EQC, Mercedes is
running full-speed ahead into the electric-vehicle market. But for the time being at least, hybrids (and plug-in hybrids) will
form the bulk of the German automaker’s electrified lineup. Like the new S560e.
The plug-in version of the S-Class sedan is now
launching (in Europe at least) with a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired to a 121 hp electric motor and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Working in conjunction,
that gives the S560e a combined output of 476 hp and 700
Nm of torque.
That’s significantly more than the 436 hp and 649 Nm of torque offered by the previous S500 Plug-In Hybrid,
and as much toque (but even more power than) the conventional S560 sedan.
With both motors spooled up, it’ll run to 100 km/h in five seconds flat and top out at 250 km/h. Running on
power from the 13.5-kWh battery pack alone, it’ll exceed 130 km/h, and
is capable of driving for 50 km before needing to charge up (or
start the gasoline engine). And it’ll charge from empty to 100-percent capacity
in about an hour and a half when plugged in to a new-generation Wallbox
charger, or five hours overnight on regular current.
Of course it also encompasses all the comforts of
any other long-wheelbase S-Class. But it
won’t use as much gasoline in the process. Orders open this week in Germany,
where the S560e starts at € 96,065, or about US$ 110k in equivalent US funds. But
the straight conversion tells you only so much, what with Germany’s higher tax
rates.
