2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 e Review

As the demand for new energy and comfort rises in Malaysia's luxury car market, plug-in hybrid luxury sedans are gradually becoming a new choice for high-net-worth individuals. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 e, representing this segment, not only continues the flagship luxury genes of the S-Class but also achieves a balance between performance and environmental protection through its PHEV powertrain. This test drive will focus on its design, space, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to provide a straightforward reference for potential buyers.

The exterior of the 2022 S 580 e continues the elegant silhouette of the new generation S-Class. The overall lines are smooth and elongated, maintaining the composure of a flagship sedan. The front features a large star-shaped grille complemented by sharp LED headlights, which offer high recognition when illuminated. The waistline on the side of the car extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a visually elongated look. At the rear, the through-type LED tail lights echo the dual exhaust layout, preserving the luxury feel while subtly hinting at the hybrid nature. The lighting system comes standard with automatic headlights and daytime running lights, adapting well to road conditions during actual use.

Stepping inside, the sense of luxury is immediately apparent in the interior. The center console is centered around a 12.8-inch touchscreen with high interface fluency and clear operational logic. The all-digital instrument cluster provides rich information and can switch themes based on driving modes. Regarding materials, the seats and inner door panels are wrapped in Nappa leather with a delicate feel, complemented by wood trim and metallic buttons, showcasing the flagship-level attention to detail. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment, memory, heating, and massage functions. The rear row focuses more on offering a supreme experience: the outer seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, massage, and one-touch recline functions, while the left seat comes with an electric Ottoman leg rest and neck warmer. Rear passengers can even adjust the front passenger seat position through the control panel on the armrest. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with a fragrance system and ion generator effectively improves air quality inside the car.

The body dimensions are 5289mm×1954mm×1503mm, with a wheelbase of 3216mm, providing a spacious driving and riding experience. When a 180cm-tall driver adjusts their seat for comfort, there is approximately two fist-widths of headroom left; the rear legroom exceeds three fist-widths, and with adjustable seats and leg rests, long journeys become less tiring. As for storage capacity, the trunk has a volume of 350 liters, which is slightly smaller than the gasoline-powered version due to battery placement but can effortlessly accommodate 2-3 carry-on suitcases for daily needs. Interior compartments like the door storage slots and central armrest box are reasonably designed to conveniently store personal items.

The S 580 e is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system. Although the combined system power is not explicitly noted, the engine delivers a maximum power of 363PS, and the electric motor adds 147PS, achieving an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds. During actual driving, the pure electric mode allows for smooth and quiet starts, with direct power response meeting the needs for short-distance city commutes. When switched to hybrid mode, the engine and motor work dynamically together during rapid acceleration, providing ample power reserves and noticeable thrust without the need for deep pedal engagement during overtaking.

The steering wheel's turning feel is moderate in force, with minimal play. It feels steady at high speeds while remaining agile during daily handling. The chassis uses front and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs vibrations when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, keeping the body stable; body roll is well-controlled during cornering, striking a balance between luxury car comfort and a certain level of handling performance. The official pure electric range is marked at 100km, and under actual urban conditions, driving at medium to low speeds achieves about 85%-90% of the range, with energy consumption maintained at 20-22kWh/100km. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is about 8.7L/100km, which aligns with its flagship status.

The soundproofing performance is excellent, with tire and wind noise well-controlled at speeds below 100km/h. When the engine engages, it does not produce noticeable noise. The front seats feature massage functions supporting multiple modes, while the rear seats' ventilation and neck heating are highly practical in Malaysia's climate. There are three levels of regenerative braking to choose from — the highest level provides noticeable deceleration when the accelerator is released, while the lowest level mimics the coasting experience of a fuel-based car, catering to different driving habits.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2022 S 580 e lies in its combination of "luxury feel + hybrid practicality": Compared to the same-tier fuel-powered S-Class, it offers lower daily operating costs; compared to fully electric luxury sedans, it alleviates range anxiety. In terms of features, rear-seat luxury functions, fragrance system, and the 15-speaker audio system all outperform competing models such as the BMW 7 Series PHEV or Audi A8L PHEV in the same category.

This car is suitable for high-net-worth family users who value quality of life or business owners needing a vehicle for executive receptions — its spacious rear cabin and luxurious features can cater to business scenarios, while the hybrid system helps reduce daily commuting costs. As the hybrid variant of Mercedes-Benz's flagship, it retains the S-Class's symbolic status while conforming to the trend of new energy, making it a "balanced and practical" choice in the luxury car market.