Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2019 Review

The luxury sedan market in Malaysia has always had stable demand, with consumers placing emphasis on brand premium as well as practical comfort and technological configurations. As the plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class family, the 2019 S 560 e Exclusive takes "luxury + efficiency" as its core selling point, attempting to strike a balance between traditional fuel luxury cars and pure electric vehicles. In this test drive, we mainly focused on experiencing its daily driving and riding quality, hybrid system performance, and the refined details it should have as a flagship model to see if it can meet the diverse needs of high-end users.

In terms of appearance, the S 560 e Exclusive continues the classic and stable style of the S-Class, with smooth and dynamic overall lines. The front features a large-sized three-pointed star grille with chrome trim details, making it highly recognizable. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides boast a refined internal structure, with automatic headlight and daytime running light functions for convenient daily use. The side profile showcases a waistline that extends from the fender to the rear, paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, maintaining a sense of business while adding a touch of sportiness. The rear design is simple, with horizontally aligned LED tail lamps that echo the front, while the rear fog lamp is embedded under the bumper, creating a coordinated and high-end visual effect.

Sitting inside, the luxurious ambiance of the interior is immediately apparent. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft materials, complemented by wooden trim panels and metal accents, providing a refined tactile experience. The 12.3-inch touch central control screen is seamlessly connected with the full LCD instrument panel, operating smoothly and hosting a wealth of functions. The multifunctional steering wheel supports electric adjustment, offering a comfortable grip with logically arranged physical buttons that allow for stress-free blind operation. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment functions, offering good support and wrap-around comfort, ensuring fatigue-free long hours of sitting. The rear space benefits from a 3035mm wheelbase, providing spacious legroom where even a 180cm passenger can comfortably stretch their legs. The rear row is well-equipped with independent air conditioning, power ports, and more, meeting the needs of business receptions. The trunk capacity is 395L, sufficient for everyday use, though slightly smaller than the pure fuel version due to the hybrid system's battery.

In terms of power, the S 560 e Exclusive is equipped with a hybrid system comprising a 3.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum power of 372PS and is paired with an AT gearbox. During everyday driving, the pure electric mode provides a quiet and smooth start, suitable for congested city streets. When switching to hybrid mode, the acceleration is quick and responsive, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds. While overtaking, pressing the accelerator harder will allow the engine and motor to output power together, delivering ample power reserves. The steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones, offering light handling at low speeds and stability at high speeds, embodying the flagship car's level of handling quality. The suspension system adopts a front multi-link and rear multi-link setup, tuned for comfort, efficiently filtering out most road jolts. Vibrations are well-dampened when crossing speed bumps, and body roll is effectively controlled during cornering, balancing comfort and stability.

Fuel consumption is a prominent advantage of hybrid models, with an official combined fuel consumption of 2.5L/100km. During the actual test drive, urban congestion resulted in around 4L/100km, and highway driving recorded about 3L/100km, demonstrating excellent energy efficiency. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automated parking feature are very practical, providing clear visibility of the surroundings during parking. The Burmester audio system, equipped with 13 speakers and enhanced by the Sound Plus feature, delivers delicate sound quality with bright highs and rich bass. With excellent noise insulation, the cabin maintains a high level of quietness, and even during high-speed driving, wind and road noise are barely noticeable.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive lies in the combination of "luxurious quality + hybrid efficiency." Compared to models in the same class, it not only has the traditional brand heritage and comfort configurations of the S-Class but also reduces daily usage costs through the hybrid system. Features such as 360-degree panoramic cameras, lane-keeping assist, and active braking are all standard across the range, making its cost-effectiveness stand out among high-end plug-in hybrid luxury cars.

This car is suitable for business professionals or family users who prioritize quality of life: For business scenarios, its luxurious interior and comfortable space can meet reception needs; for daily household use, the hybrid system’s low fuel consumption can reduce vehicle maintenance costs. If you want both the prestige of a flagship model and cost efficiency for practical use, the S 560 e Exclusive is a great choice.

Overall, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 560 e Exclusive is a "balanced" luxury plug-in hybrid sedan. Although it does not excel in any single aspect, it combines luxury, performance, efficiency, and technological features seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for high-end users pursuing diverse needs.