Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes S-Class hybrid (2019-2020) engines, drive & performance

The Mercedes S-Class hybrid is serene and luxurious, although it has a turn of speed when needed

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Engines, drive & performance rating

4.5 out of 5

0-62mphTop speedDriven wheelsPower
5.0s155mphRear469bhp

The Mercedes S-Class plug-in hybrid features a 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, however breakneck acceleration isn’t what it’s designed for. Instead, the engine is deathly quiet in almost all conditions, ensuring that occupants aren’t disturbed on the move.

With up to 700Nm of torque available, the S-Class can accelerate quickly when required, but most buyers will likely be more interested in comfort than speed. And this is what makes plug-in hybrid technology such a good match for the S-Class: electric-only running suits the relaxed, luxurious vibe of the car, and switching between electric and petrol power happens so seamlessly that you might not always notice it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The S-Class will cruise along the motorway with little effort, although the plug-in is more suited to urban driving than the petrol and diesel alternatives. The city, after all, is where you’ll reap the most reward from the electric powertrain.

Mercedes S-Class hybrid 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

With the engine and electric motor working together to produce 469bhp, the S-Class plug-in hybrid is no slouch: 0-62mph takes just five seconds, putting it firmly in hot-hatchback territory. Like many cars of this nature, the top speed is limited to 155mph. This falls to 80mph in electric-only mode, although this is more than you’re ever likely to (or indeed, be legally allowed to) use on UK roads.

Handling

Weighing in at 2,215kg, the S-Class plug-in is some 10% heavier than its petrol and diesel siblings, and this added bulk – much of which can be attributed to the 13.5kWh battery – shows in corners. But while the PHEV model isn’t as responsive when going round a tight bend, interpreting this as a problem is to misunderstand the S-Class entirely.

As a luxury limousine, its purpose is to glide along with the minimum of fuss, and in that respect the plug-in is indistinguishable from the rest of the line-up. Rear-seat passengers being chauffeured from A to B are especially unlikely to notice the difference.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric car repairs, servicing and maintenance: a complete guide
Electric car repairs
Your questions answered

Electric car repairs, servicing and maintenance: a complete guide

How, where and when should you get your electric car serviced? And does the process differ in any way from combustion vehicles? Find out here…
14 Nov 2024
Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024
Best hybrid family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024

If you’re not ready to go fully electric yet, you should consider one of these: the best hybrid family cars to buy in the UK right now
22 Nov 2024
EV Deal of the Day: sharp-looking MG4 EV for £187 per month
MG4 EV - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: sharp-looking MG4 EV for £187 per month

The MG4 EV is an impressive all-electric family hatchback, offering a decent range, plenty of tech and useful practicality
26 Nov 2024