The new S-Class was teased several times, but to be completely honest with you, there is nothing too surprising about it, as its design language is something we have seen in all the previously launched Mercedes models.Up front, the new S-Class receives a larger radiator grille in three-dimensional design, a long hood and new headlights - each headlight features 56 LED lights. If you consider each taillight also gets 35 LED lights, four for the rear fog lamp and the 300 LED lights on the interior, you can see the new S-Class has almost 500 LEDs in total.When viewed from the side, it is pretty clear that the S-Class is keeps classic saloon proportions, but they are designed in such a way to give the model a sporty coupe-like interpretation.The rear is characterized by horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper, a rear windscreen that cuts into the C-pillars and new-style taillights, which are completely encased by the car’s body.
Dimensions and weight
Finally, we end up at the all-new S 500 Plug-In Hybrid, which checks in with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that produces 328 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This powerful six-pot combines with an electric motor that adds in 107 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque for a total output of 435 horsepower and a tire-frying 605 pound-feet of torque. This launches the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds and to a 155 mph top speed, while getting 94.2 MPGe and producing just 69 grams of CO2 per km on the European cycle. This stout performance makes the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid faster than all other 2014 S-Class models to 62 mph, except the top-line S 500.
The S 500 Plug-In Hybrid has four drive modes: HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE. We assume that the HYBRID mode is the base drive setup that provides the best overall performance and great fuel economy — Mercedes didn’t offer any details on this mode. The E-MODE setting puts the S 500 on electric only, and Mercedes claims that this large sedan can travel 18 miles on electric only. The E-SAVE mode runs the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid on the gasoline engine only, saving the fully charged battery for later in your journey. Lastly, the CHARGE setting uses the gasoline powerplant to recharge the battery.
Mercedes will outline the charging times and all other pertinent details of the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid in the future; possibly during its public reveal in Frankfurt.
You may notice that Mercedes has dropped the V-12 engine; instead, its models were made more environmentally friendly. To help meet its environmental goals, customers can now choose between three hybrid powertrains.
All four models are offered with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Global Specifications
U.S. Specifications
U.S. Pricing