By Breda Corrigan
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury saloon that has frequently earned the title of ‘best car in the world’, and it has dominated the luxury saloon class for decades. Every generation has introduced new technology that rivals often struggle to catch up with, and which eventually finds its way to smaller cars within the Mercedes-Benz model range. Measuring in at almost 5.3-metres in length and 1.95-metres in width, there is no denying that the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class LWB Saloon commands an imposing presence on the road. The elongated side view, with its perfect proportions and flush-fitting door handles, highlight the cars’ superior aesthetics. The striking front end exudes supreme style and character, while the rear design boasts a full-width chrome strip connecting the two-part lamps.
Huge All-Electric Driving Range.
The S580 e has a 28.6kWh battery, which is huge for a PHEV, and this results in an electric range of up to 102kms in real-world driving. Short journeys have the potential to be totally fuel free, and even when the refined and punchy petrol engine does make an appearance, it does so in a manner in keeping with a luxurious premium limousine. With its supremely-serene driving characteristics, quiet tyres and almost no air buffeting at speed, the S580 e is as magnificent to be chauffeured in, as it is to drive. The infotainment system can be operated by way of fingerprint, face or voice recognition. Once it learns your habits (such as your usual commute, calendar entries, or if you phone someone at a specific time) the system will start to suggest navigation directions, or the option to phone someone you frequently call. The lithium-ion battery can be charged using a DC rapid charger in 20 minutes (10 to 80 per cent) and under four hours using a 7.4 kW home wallbox.
Interior Space – Like Never Before.
Under the front centre armrest there is a larger-than-average storage cubby complete with two USB-C plugs and wireless charging, and there is even a storage tray behind the floating centre infotainment screen. Additionally, the S-Class has ample door bin storage space, a large glovebox, and a huge amount of cabin space for all occupants. With a wheelbase measuring in at over 3.2-metres there is an abundance of legroom available, but head and elbow room is also impressively-generous throughout. For the proper S-Class experience, you need to try it from the back seat, and this will certainly reinforce the realisation that you are sitting in what is quite simply the most luxurious limousine this side of a Rolls Royce.
Test Car.
My test car was a Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580 e LWB with an AMG Line exterior that truly complimented the High-Tech Silver metallic paintwork, while the Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey Nappa Leather upholstery highlighted the immense comfort on offer to all occupants. Optional extras fitted to my test car included 20” AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, high gloss burr walnut trim, and an Advantage Package consisting of a panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, and a Driving Assist Pack. A hugely-impressive array of standard equipment adorns the S 580 E, including key features such as acoustic ambient protection, AIRMATIC suspension, interior ambient lighting, exterior ambient lighting with projection of brand logo, Burmester™ 3D surround sound system, dash cam, digital radio, ENERGISING AIR CONTROL, hard-disc navigation including live traffic information, heated front & rear seats, heated washer fluid reservoir, INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT, KEYLESS-GO with flush-fitting door handles, MAGIC VISION CONTROL, MBCONNECT, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, MBUX entertainment system, OLED central display (12.8-inch HD), wireless charging for mobile device, and remote boot lid closing, along with cutting-edge safety and driver assist systems. Power comes from a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine plus an electric motor that work in unison to deliver an impressive 510bhp and a massive 750Nm of torque. This enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.2-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250km/h (where permitted). When the S580 e commences every journey with a fully-charged battery, a potential fuel consumption figure as low as 0.6-litres for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle can be achieved. You will barely notice the switch from electric to petrol power (and vice-versa), so smooth is the integration of the two power units, and so well insulated is the stunning interior. You do hear it when accelerating hard, but as this is a meaty 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder unit, the noise isn’t unpleasant by any means. At first glance, you might think that steering a car that is almost 5.3-metres long would be a nerve-racking affair, but you would be mistaken, as the car is packed with technology to help make urban driving as easy and comfortable as possible. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is capable of driving itself on the motorway, although EU law means full-autonomy can’t be activated at present. The S-Class is one of the most comfortable motorway cruisers that money can buy, and the car can accelerate, brake, steer and change lanes by itself, as long as the driver keeps their hands on the steering wheel. The car glides effortlessly over road imperfections and speed bumps, with the standard air suspension providing occupants with ultimate serenity on every journey. Thanks to excellent levels of body control, plenty of grip from the beefy tyres and accurate steering, the S-Class is a car that can be driven quickly with confidence. All versions of the S-Class come with electrically adjustable seats and an electrically adjustable steering wheel so it takes no effort to get a comfortable driving position, while a memory function makes it easy to return them to the correct position after someone else has used the car.
Verdict & Pricing.
The incredible Mercedes-Benz S580 e oozes premium comfort, luxurious refinement, incredible performance, up to 100km of pure electric driving, and outright desirability. Annual road tax is just €140 thanks to a WLTP Co2 emission figure of just 18g/km. Pricing for the S580 e starts at €156,355 in rear-wheel drive format, with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive available from €160,075. Additionally, an S450 e variant with 408bhp is available, and is priced at €143,965. The new S-Class is also available with petrol and diesel engine options for buyers who are not quite ready for plug-in hybrid power. The S-Class offers a wide range of individualisation options for the exterior and interior design, allowing for ultimate personalisation in the process.
