Details regarding the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580e have been revealed for the European market. The plug-in hybrid variant will be the third variant of Mercedes’ flagship sedan and promises power without sacrificing efficiency. Featuring the fourth generation of Mercedes’ plug-in hybrid powertrain, the S 580e gets AWD standard and will be the most powerful model in the lineup at least until the AMG variants arrive.
Under the hood of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580e is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The total system output is a whopping 516 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s on par with an AMG-badged S-class just a few years ago. In all-electric mode, the S 580e can travel up to 100 km or 62 miles on the WLTP cycle and can top out at 140 km/h or 87 mph. Clever battery packaging also preserves trunk space and allows for a pass-through while lowering the S 580e’s center of gravity. An 11-kW onboard is standard for level AC charging or a 240-volt plug. The S 580e will also be one of the few plug-in hybrids with level 3 DC charging capability via a CCS connector, which will allow the car to get a full charge in 30 minutes.
Mercedes will offer the S 580e with its E-Active Body Control active suspension, which promises improved ride and handling when combined with the standard air suspension. This enables the car to individually regulate spring and damper forces on each wheel and counteract body roll, pitch, and lift. The Road Surface Scan features enable the S 580e to scan the surfaces ahead and predict incoming bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections. A Curve function also allows the car to anticipate turns and corners, allowing it to slow down ahead of time.
Features that Mercedes first introduced on the Maybach S-class have also found their way into the S 580e. The MBUX interior assistant can now detect rear-seat passengers and automatically adjust the head restraints. You can also control the rear-seat infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof with gesture control. Adaptive lights are now adjustable and the rear now has spotlights that double as reading lights. The rear seats also have a calf massage function when equipped with the Executive rear seats.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580e is expected to join the lineup in North America sometime next year. This will be the newest plug-in hybrid model to join the Mercedes lineup after the GLC 350e, which was quietly discontinued recently. Depending on how the EPA rates the S 580e in its testing, it will supposedly have a significant EV mode range because it’s likely using a sizable lithium-ion battery that’s at least 15 kWh capacity. Mercedes could’ve also placed the pack under the floor to keep it from intruding too much into the cabin and trunk. The S 580e should serve as the bridge for people who want a taste of electrified motoring but aren’t ready to commit to a battery-electric vehicle like the upcoming EQS sedan. Expect the S 580e to qualify for some form of tax credit plus available state incentives. Starting prices, however, will be at the six-figure mark.
