Mercedes-Benz has revealed the latest version of its S-Class saloon, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option that will manage 62 miles of range.
The plug-in setup is available on the new S450e Saloon and S580e 4Matic saloon models, which pair a 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. Mercedes hasn’t yet divulged the size of the battery or any information about charging.
The German carmaker has however described the new plug-in S-Class as the “ultimate expression of driving confidence and long‑distance comfort”, but then manufacturers are never particularly shy about talking up their products.
This latest S-Class is a tech tour de force, with an on board supercomputer needed to make sure that everything runs smoothly. That includes the sensors for the driving safety and performance systems, the fancy infotainment and the AI-powered virtual assistant.
The MBUX Superscreen is present and correct too – you get a massive digital dashboard display, a 14.4in central infotainment screen and another 12.3in display just for the front passenger to create an effect not dissimilar to being in Piccadilly Circus on a pleasant summer’s evening.
In the back you can opt for a longer wheelbase version of the car for maximum comfort – there’s a fancy screen setup available, or you have a little fold out desk and wifi if you need to get some work done on the move.
The new S-Class comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines, but there’s no fully electric option – if you want one of those you’ll have to go for the EQS model, which is intended to replicate the S-Class experience on a bespoke electric platform. That car has been on sale since 2021 and was given a little facelift in 2024.
“Home, James, and don’t spare the kilowatt hours”
