Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid

The S500 Plug-in hybrid is the first of 10 hybrid models confirmed for launch by Mercedes-Benz before the end of 2017. it succeeds the S300 Bluetec hybrid and S400 hybrid but adds one vital new element: the ability to charge its battery by plugging it in.

As a result, the S500 Plug-in hybrid has a much larger, 8.7kWh lithium ion battery than its predecessors, which in turn means far greater electric reserves and more than a tenfold increase in electric range. it is able to travel up to 20 miles before its battery charge is depleted and the petrol engine is fired.

in the S-class, the hybrid system employs a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 developing 242bhp and 354lb ft, along with a gearbox-mounted electric motor that has 114bhp and 251lb ft. Combined, they provide 436bhp and 479lb ft, outgunning the Porsche Panamera S e-hybrid’s 415bhp and 435lbft.

Despite a hefty 2140kg kerb weight, the S500 Plug in hybrid accelerates to 62mph in a claimed 5.2sec and top speed is a governed 155mph. Combined fuel economy is put at 100.9mpg, with CO2 of just 65g/km.

Mercedes acknowledges that few, if anyone, will be able to replicate this in everyday driving, although it’s possible to extract some amazing economy figures out of it.There are four driving modes: hybrid (which combines the petrol engine and electric motor), e-Mode (pure-electric running until the battery charge is depleted), e-Save (which allows you to preserve battery charge for pure electric running later on) and Charge (in which the petrol engine tops up the battery on the run). Although the plug-in S500 is no more difficult to drive than any other S-class, you need to become familiar with these modes to really get the best out of it a process that takes time.

Whether gliding around city streets or cruising out on the open road, the S500 Plug-in hybrid is superbly serene, with the same cosseting ride as other S-class models. The transition between pure electric running and the engagement of the petrol engine as it switches into a hybrid state is virtually imperceptible.

The combination of petrol and electric propulsion also provides this plush saloon with a broad and entertaining range of performance qualities. in electric mode, it has pleasingly urgent step-off and flexibility at speeds up to 87mph.

however, the action of the brake pedal is compromised by the need to recuperate energy during braking. And the battery’s location in the boot robs 95 litres of luggage capacity, reducing it to 395 litres.

The S500 Plug-in hybrid is a very convincing proposition, offering an impressive electric range and stout combined petrol electric performance, together with outstanding refinement and fine economy. it is a limo that you can drive with a largely clear conscience.


SO GOOD

Economy and electric range
Seamless switching between power sources
Cosseting ride is unaffected

NO GOOD

High weight
Reduced boot capacity