The Mercedes-Benz S-class maintains excellence by being the full-size luxury sedan everyone values. The S-class satisfies the appetite of its well-heeled customers with heaps of fine materials, deep comfort, and lots of technology. There are two models, both equipped with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive—the S500 and S580—each with an exclusive powertrain. The S500 comes with a smooth 429-hp turbocharged straight-six, while the S580 steps up with a smooth 496-hp V-8. The S580e's plug-in hybrid produces 510 horsepower and can travel around 40 miles or more on electricity alone.
The new S580e plug-in hybrid model joins this year's lineup and features a 510-hp hybrid powertrain consisting of an inline-six and an electric motor. Otherwise, life in the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-class will be uninterrupted until 2023 with only minor changes to the available paint and finish options.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mercedes offers the S-class sedan with either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system and pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S580e plug-in hybrid uses an inline-six and an electric motor to pump out 510 horsepower; all-wheel drive is standard here as well. We've luxuriated in the S-class sedan and put our test equipment on the V-8 model, which delivered impressive acceleration. While every S-class rides on an air suspension, the optional E-Active Body Control has a "curve" function" that subtly leans the car into corners. The S-class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering system that makes the big-bodied Merc surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
