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

Top 10 best small electric cars 2025
Best small electric cars
Best cars

Top 10 best small electric cars 2025

Need a small and cheap electric car? Our experts have tested them all and these are the best…
24 Jan 2025
Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2025
Best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2025

SUVs and 4x4s traditionally used a lot of fuel, but there are now plenty of hybrid options to cut costs. These are the best ones to buy right now
6 Feb 2025
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025
Best plug-in hybrid
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025

Here are our top picks of the best plug-in hybrid motoring options you can buy in the UK right now
31 Jan 2025