Sumptuous luxury meets class-leading efficiency with this new plug-in hybrid variant of the Mercedes-Benz S Class.
The German firm’s flagship limousine has long had an envied reputation for combining interior opulence with cutting-edge technology.
And this new variant - the S 580 e L - moves the S-Class even further ahead of the competition.
The new powertrain marries a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, capable of producing 367 hp, to a 28.6 kWh battery. The battery alone produces a further 150 hp and allows the S 580 e L to travel for up to 63 miles on electricity alone.
Astonishingly, the generously-proportioned S 580 e L can deliver up to 353.1 mpg while emitting just 18 g/km of CO2.
For those contemplating the S-Class as a company car, that means you’d pay just 7% Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax for the year 2021-22.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged, up to 80%, using a DC rapid charger in just 20 minutes and under four hours using a 7.4 kW home wallbox.
Meanwhile a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across the S-Class range.
There are also tweaks and updates when it comes to tech, too.
The S-Class now features a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen central display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, plus a Mercedes-Benz ‘MBUX’ tablet, which can be used as a fully-fledged tablet outside of the vehicle.
The driver display is also optionally available with 3D technology, including facial recognition which can monitor driver drowsiness and exterior mirror settings.
And the so-called ‘Driving Assistance Package’ is also now standard equipment on all S-Class models.
That brings you Active Distance Assist, which responds to stationary road users to prevent collisions up to 80 mph, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist with steering intervention, as well as Active Evasive Steering Assist, which responds to cyclists and abrupt tailbacks as well as pedestrians.
In terms of models available, you’ve essentially got two choices - AMG Line Premium or AMG Line Premium Plus. For an extra £3,795 on either of those trim levels you can also add an ‘Executive line’ top-up.
AMG Line Premium variants get 20 inch alloys, a 3D surround sound system, panoramic sliding sunroof, 12.3-inch 3D driver display, the remote parking package including 360° camera and active ambient lighting, electrically adjustable rear seats with memory package, and climatised rear outer seats.
The Premium ‘Plus’ adds things like larger rims, uprated headlights, heated armrests and a heated steering wheel.
And by choosing the ‘Executive Line’ bolt-on you can also enjoy the MBUK rear tablet, electric sun blinds, double sun visors and electrically extendable footrest behind the front passenger seat.
Prices start from £104,490 and cars are on sale now.
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