Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

As the demand for green power grows in the luxury car market, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are becoming a new choice for many high-end users—retaining the long-distance convenience of fuel cars while reducing daily commuting costs through pure electric mode. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 e, as the flagship PHEV model of the brand, focuses on key selling points such as the "rear luxury experience brought by the long wheelbase," the "practicality of 100km pure electric range," and "intelligent features beyond its class." The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can strike the perfect balance between being a "luxury flagship" and "practical new energy," while evaluating whether the upgrades compared to the previous model are compelling enough to attract customers.

Approaching the 2022 S 580 e, one can feel the aura of a flagship model at first glance. The vehicle dimensions are significantly larger compared to the 2019 S 560 e Exclusive, with a length of 5289mm, width of 1954mm, height of 1503mm, and a wheelbase extended to 3216mm—nearly 18cm longer than the previous model's 3035mm. The side profile appears more elongated and streamlined. The front face features a large-sized star emblem grille, paired with a chrome strip running across the bottom for high recognition; the sharp design of the full-LED headlights supports automatic beam adjustment and daytime running light functions, exuding a calm and imposing visual appeal when illuminated. At the rear, the LED taillights are treated with a smoked finish, and the dual exhaust outlets with chrome trim preserve the texture of a fuel car. The overall design continues the classic luxurious feel of the S-Class while adding modern touches through design details.

Upon opening the door, the sense of luxury flows in immediately. The dashboard is wrapped in extensive soft leather, matched with wooden trim, providing a delicate touch. The 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is the visual centerpiece, boasting high resolution and smooth operation; a small number of physical buttons are retained below for convenient blind operation. The front seats support electric adjustment, memory function, heating, and massage features. The headrests are designed with pillows, offering excellent support and comfort. The rear seats are the main highlight of the upgrade. Outer seats are equipped with electric adjustment, memory function, heating, ventilation, and massage features. The left seat also comes with a one-touch reclining function, electric footrests, and calf support (also with massage), while the headrests feature built-in neck warmers—features that were absent in the older S 560 e model. The rear central armrest is equipped with a control screen, allowing adjustments to the position of the front passenger seat, further enhancing the sense of luxury for rear passengers.

The spatial performance fully meets the expectations of a flagship model. With the extended wheelbase, rear legroom is extremely generous—a 180cm tall passenger would have more than two fists of space between their knees and the front seat, while headroom is around one fist, ensuring no sense of constraint. In terms of storage, the front door pockets can accommodate two large bottles of water, and the central armrest box is adequately sized with a built-in wireless charging pad. The rear door pockets are also practical, and the central armrest box features cup holders. The trunk capacity is 350L, slightly smaller than the 395L of the old S 560 e, but it can still hold two 28-inch suitcases without issue, and the rear seats support folding to increase storage flexibility.

In terms of power, the 2022 S 580 e is equipped with a combination of a 3.0T turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 363PS, while the electric motor provides a maximum horsepower of 147PS, resulting in a powerful overall system output. For daily commuting, the pure electric mode offers quiet starts and responsive acceleration, with a maximum speed of up to 140km/h, meeting urban driving needs. When switched to hybrid mode, the engine and electric motor work together during acceleration, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds. During actual driving, stepping hard on the accelerator provides a noticeable thrust, with sufficient power reserve for overtaking. The 9-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes with almost no perceptible shift jolts.

The handling leans towards comfort, as expected of a luxury flagship model. The steering wheel is light and has minimal play, making daily driving very easy. The chassis uses independent multi-link suspension front and rear, tuned on the softer side, effectively filtering out small road bumps. Vibrations are thoroughly absorbed when passing speed bumps, making the rear seat passengers almost unbothered. During cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, so the car doesn't feel clumsy due to its length and weight. In terms of braking, the ventilated disc brakes in the front and rear respond sensitively, and the braking force is linear, providing ample confidence.

Range and fuel consumption are key indicators for PHEV models. The official pure electric range is 100km, and during actual testing, it can achieve about 85km on city roads with the air conditioner on, which is a good performance. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is around 8.7L/100km, slightly higher than similar fuel-powered cars (such as the 2018 S 450 L AMG Line's 8.4L/100km). However, considering the use of the pure electric mode, the long-term cost is lower. Noise control is excellent, as the pure electric mode is almost silent, and the engine intervention in hybrid mode is also very quiet. Wind noise and tire noise at high speeds are well suppressed.

In conclusion, the key advantages of the 2022 S 580 e are clear: First, the rear luxury configuration far surpasses the old S 560 e, and it's even more comprehensive than the S 450 L AMG Line at the same price level. Second, its 100km pure electric range covers most users' daily commuting needs, reducing operating costs. Third, its safety configuration is complete, with 12 safety airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera, active braking, and other standard features, ensuring safety. Compared to its peers, it offers a more luxurious rear seat configuration than the BMW 7 Series PHEV and a longer pure electric range than the Audi A8L PHEV, making it highly cost-effective.

This car is perfect for users who value a luxurious experience and green travel — for instance, corporate executives who can use the pure electric mode for quiet and eco-friendly daily commuting, while the luxurious rear seat configuration impresses during business receptions. Alternatively, for quality-conscious families, its spacious interior and comfortable seats can meet the needs of family outings. Overall, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 e is not only a qualified luxury flagship but also a practical new energy vehicle, perfectly balancing both 'status' and 'substance'.