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2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive Review

2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive, as the plug-in hybrid flagship, combines efficient power with V6+electric, iconic luxury configurations of the S-Class, and a serene driving experience, balancing quality and environmental friendliness, making it a top choice for high-end users.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class photo
RM 658,888
2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Segment
Luxury
Body Type
Sedan
Capacity(L)
3.0
Driven Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Combined System Output(PS)
-
Combined System Torque(Nm)
-
Review
User Review
Specs

The luxury sedan market has always been a core battleground for brand technology and comfortable experiences. As the plug-in hybrid flagship model, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive's core selling point lies in the combination of V6 power and electric drive while retaining the iconic luxurious configuration and driving comfort of the S-Class. This review will focus on whether its static design continues the flagship quality, whether its dynamic performance strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, and whether its configurations match its luxurious positioning to provide a reference for potential buyers.

From the exterior, the 2019 S 560 e Exclusive continues the classic, stable demeanor of the S-Class. The car's dimensions are 5125mm×1899mm×1496mm, with a wheelbase of 3035mm. The overall lines are smooth and full of tension. The front features a large three-pointed star grille adorned with chrome trim for high recognition. The LED headlights have a sharp design and come standard with automatic headlights and daytime running lights, providing a refined visual effect when lit. The side profile features a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 19-inch multi-spoke wheels (front tires 245/45 R19, rear tires 275/40 R19), maintaining the dignity of a flagship model while adding a touch of sportiness. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights echoing the headlights, and the dual exhaust layout hints at its performance capability.

Upon entering the cabin, the interior continues to exude familiar luxury. The center console features a symmetrical design, wrapped in large areas of soft materials paired with wood grain trims, offering a refined touch; the 12.3-inch touchscreen central control screen is connected to the fully digital instrument panel, delivering smooth operation and clear displays. In terms of configurations, the front seats support electric adjustment, while rear seats with independent climate control and adjustment functions (standard on the Exclusive version) further enhance seating comfort. The Burmester brand 13-speaker sound system, coupled with the Sound Plus function, provides excellent sound quality. In practical terms, the trunk volume is 395L, slightly smaller than the gasoline version due to battery placement, but it can still accommodate 2-3 suitcases without issue. Safety configurations, such as seven airbags throughout the car, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and automatic parking assist, are all standard to ensure safety during travel.

For dynamic performance, the S 560 e Exclusive is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 476 horsepower and peak torque of 700N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. During initial acceleration, the motor responds quickly, with smooth and quiet acceleration. When the gas pedal is pressed deeply, the engine integrates seamlessly, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.0 seconds. In actual tests, the power output was linear and provided ample confidence during overtaking. The suspension system utilizes a front double wishbone and a rear multi-link independent setup, paired with air suspension (standard on the Exclusive version), thoroughly filtering road bumps. The car remains stable over speed bumps or uneven terrains, while still retaining some road feel. The steering wheel is light to manage, offers precise steering, and maintains excellent stability at high speeds.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 2.5L/100km. In actual urban commuting, if charging is convenient for daily use, the pure electric mode can cover most short-distance trips. For long-distance driving, the engine and motor work together, with tested fuel consumption around 6.5L/100km, offering a significant advantage compared to fuel-only vehicles in the same class. Regarding noise control, the vehicle provides excellent sound insulation, with minimal wind and tire noise even at a speed of 120km/h. Combined with the active noise cancellation feature, the cabin's quietness rivals that of a library.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive lies in its dual attributes of "luxury + efficiency": it retains the flagship quality and comfort configuration of the S-Class while reducing fuel costs through the plug-in hybrid system. Compared with its peers such as the BMW 745Le and Audi A8L plug-in hybrid version, it is more competitive in interior luxury and brand premium, making it suitable for mid-to-high-end business professionals or family users who value quality and environmental protection. If you are pursuing a low-key and luxurious driving experience while considering daily usage costs, the S 560 e Exclusive is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice.

Pros
Burmester sound system delivers excellent audio quality, effectively alleviating driving fatigue
3.0T+electric motor combination provides strong power, making overtaking and driving on muddy mountain roads confident and stable
Luxurious interior (Nappa leather seats, rear independent air conditioning), spacious space suitable for family trips
Cons
Pure electric range is short, requiring a switch to fuel mode for short-distance commuting
Lacking the latest L2+ driving assistance, leading to fatigue during long highway driving
Small trunk space (395L), inconvenient for storing large items like strollers
Overall Rating
4.5
Excellent
From 5 Reviews
Section Rating
Performance
4.2 / 5
Interior Design
4.8 / 5
Safety
4.6 / 5
Exterior Design
4.4 / 5
Showing 5 reviews
4 Excellent
C63S
Owner of 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Previously, I drove an E-Class, but only after switching to the S560e Exclusive did I understand what "mobile palace" truly means—The Burmester sound system can calm my irritability during Kuala Lumpur's peak-hour traffic jam by playing some Malaysian jazz. The 3.0T engine combined with the electric motor provides effortless acceleration when overtaking on the North-South Expressway. However, the pure electric range is short, and I have to switch to fuel mode from KLCC to Subang Jaya. The interior is absolutely flawless, with Nappa leather seats and rear independent air conditioning—perfect for business discussions with clients, giving off a very professional impression. Although the car is fully equipped with safety features, it's missing the latest L2+ advanced driver assistance system, making long highway drives a bit tiring. That said, the spacious interior makes family trips to Genting Highlands in Malaysia comfortable and roomy—worth every penny!
4 Excellent
CayenneS
Owner of 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Hybrid mode is super fuel-efficient during traffic jams, and a fuel consumption of 2.5L/100km is no exaggeration! The rear boss seat is spacious, and friends all say it's comfortable to sit in. However, the 395L trunk is a bit small, you have to carefully pack a baby stroller and luggage. But once the Burmester audio system is on, everything else is forgotten~
5 Excellent
GR_Yaris
Owner of 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Last week, I went on a family outing to the foot of Genting Mountain. The heavy rain made the mountain roads muddy and slippery, but the 3.0T+motor power responded instantly. The car's stability during cornering felt like it was glued to the ground, definitely worth a 5-star rating for performance. With Malaysian folk songs playing from the Burmester sound system and genuine leather seats wrapping around my waist, the interior definitely deserves 5 stars. However, the automatic braking system was triggered twice by mistake in the congested foot of the mountain, giving me a scare and losing 1 star for safety. Nonetheless, the car's body lines looked elegant in the rain and fog, so 4 stars are well-deserved.
5 Excellent
Ioniq5
Owner of 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Last week, I took my wife and kids to explore the foot of Yunding Mountain. Just as we got onto the winding mountain road, it started pouring rain, and even with the wipers going crazy, the road was barely visible. The LED headlights of the S560e are impressively penetrating, and the 245/45 R19 tires have excellent grip, keeping the car stable. There was almost no body roll when cornering. However, the 3.0T engine felt a bit sluggish on uphill climbs, and the throttle response was a bit slow even when I stepped on it hard. Fortunately, the safety features are top-notch, with lane departure warning and automatic braking working perfectly. My wife, seated in the rear, could adjust the air conditioning, and with the Burmester sound system playing music, the kids thankfully didn’t start fussing.
5 Excellent
WRX_VB
Owner of 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive
Yesterday I drove on the highway in a rainstorm, and the car felt so stable, like it was glued to the road. The sense of security was absolutely maxed out!
Engine
Capacity(L)
3.0
Capacity(cc)
2996
Aspiration Form
NA
Engine Power(PS)
372
Rpm at Max Hp(RPM)
5500
Rpm at Max torque(RPM)
1800
Number of Cylinders
6
Fuel Type
Petrol
General
0-100km/h(s)
5
Fuel Consumption
2.5
Transmission and Chassis
Transmission
AT
Driven Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Suspension
Ventilated Disc
Rear Suspension
Ventilated Disc
Front Tyres
245/45 R19
Rear Tyres
275/40 R19
Parking Brake
Electric Parking Brake
Size&Capacity
Segment
Luxury
Length(mm)
5125
Width(mm))
1899
Height(mm)
1496
Wheelbase(mm)
3035
Boot Volume(L)
395
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