Mercedes-Benz S 560 e starts global sales, 3.0L V6 PHEV, 2.5L/100km



Mercedes-Benz is set to commence the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz S 560 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant starting October 2018. Based on the W222 S-Class facelift generation, the S 560 e is available exclusively as a long wheelbase version (V222) and comes with the three-pointed star’s latest EQ Power technology.

Powering the S 560 e is a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine that pushes out 367 hp and 500 Nm paired to an electric motor to give the luxury limousine a combined output of 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic to allow the PHEV S-Class to launch from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds onwards to a governed top speed of 250 km/h all while returning 2.5 L/100 km based on the WLTP test cycle.

Juicing the 90 kW (122 hp)/440 Nm electric motor is a new lithium-ion battery with a rated capacity of 13.5 kWh and like all Mercedes-Benz PHEVs, the battery pack is located underneath the boot floor. However, despite the increase in capacity, the dimensions of the new battery is now smaller which frees up more usable boot space to 410 litres (standard S-Class: 530 litres).

While the company highlights the battery pack has fast charging compatibility when plugged into a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox, Mercedes-Benz did not disclose the charging time of the batteries. On a full charge, the S 560 e has a pure-electric driving range of up to 50 km.

One unique feature of the plug-in hybrid S-Class is the Intelligent operating strategy with Eco Assist that anticipates the journey ahead using navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety systems to manage the “sail” function, regenerative braking and haptic accelerator pedal to achieve an economical and comfortable driving style.

On the local front, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just introduced the refreshed S-Class with one petrol powered variant, the 450 L AMG Line which replaces the popular S 400 h in their model portfolio ahead of the expected expiry of the CKD hybrid incentives. With MBM’s move of phasing out PHEVs from their product range, we may not see the arrival of the S 560 e to our shores in the immediate future.


IMAGE GALLERY