Mercedes-Benz took the covers
off the latest-generation 2021 S-Class and in the process, detailed a plethora
of variants that will be offered. In Europe, these include diesel S450, S500,
S350d, S350d 4Matic and S400d 4Matic models, including petrol S450 and S500
models.
One variant not discussed so much detail
is the Mercedes-Benz S580e, a plug-in hybrid model that will be sold in
European markets. A North American debut isn’t on the table yet, with a Mercedes
USA spokesperson telling CNET that the company hasn’t “communicated anything
regarding S-Class plug-in hybrids variants for the US at this time.” Driving
this model is the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine fitted
on the S500 but it now operates alongside a gearbox-mounted electric motor and
a 28 kWh battery pack making for a combined 510 hp.
That’s a serious amount of grunt that
gives this variant the edge over the mild-hybrid S500 4MATIC that has 429 hp
and even the S580 4Matic that will be offered in the United States. The latter
features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system
making for a combined 496 hp. An added advantage of the S580e comes in the form
of 100 km over driving on battery power alone, as per the European
WLTP test cycle.
It remains unclear if the Mercedes-Benz
S580e will be sold anywhere other than Europe but we wouldn’t be shocked to see
it sold elsewhere. After all, S-Class customers around the world will likely
appreciate the power, fuel efficiency, and all-electric driving range of the
S580e.
The first examples of the new Mercedes
S-Class are set to hit U.S. shores in the first quarter of 2021. In addition to
the aforementioned S580 model with the twin-turbo V8, U.S. customers will also
be offered an S500 variant with a turbocharged inline-six rated at 429 hp and 521 Nm.
