Unlike in the C-Class transition, Mercedes-Benz’s update of its flagship limo comes with a badge that makes sense.
What’s new?
This is the second engine variance of Mercedes-Benz’s facelifted S-Class joining the S350d diesel-variant in Thai showrooms.
Called S560e due to its bigger performance and plug-in hybrid system, it replaces the pre-facelift S500e with an improved lithium-ion battery pack to increase all-electric driving range from some 30-50km.
The bigger amount of energy storage in the S560e has also allowed the 3.0-litre V6 combustion engine to develop more power and torque overall than the S500e. Combined outputs rise from 333-476hp and 620-700Nm to help slash the 0-100kph time from 5.5-5.0sec.
Only one trim is being offered for the S560e in Thailand: AMG Premium going for 6.999 million baht, exactly the same as what the S350d asks for. Which one is more appealing when fuel bills don’t matter in a car like this?
What’s cool?
Although the V6 petrol-turbo unit is familiar, overall performance is considerably stronger than ever thanks to the bigger role of electrification. Yes, it’s just as quick as the V8-powered, non-hybrid S500 of yore and explains the numeration of the S560e based on performance strata.
The availability of plug-in facility was always a good thing because such a system allows for some proper all-electric driving ability within the legal limit. Of course, charging times are now longer (from some 3-6hr when flat), but there’s that higher aforementioned range.
Despite the arrival of some latest-generation players like the Audi A8, Lexus LS and Porsche Panamera, the S-Class continues to have one of the best rear seat accommodation in-class; archrival 7 Series from BMW has less cushy chairs. Adding up to comfort in the S560e is an extremely hushed cabin, even at excessively high speeds, where fine stability can also be found.
The S560e is packed with several relevant driver-assist technologies and has an nicely furnished interior that’s still easy to use despite this generation passing mid-life now.
What’s not?
Like in several other Mercs with plug-in hybrid technology, the S560e clearly suffers from one thing: an uneven boot floor caused by the clumsy fitment of the battery pack. At least, golfers can still find space to load their gear.
When it comes to outright engine responsiveness, the S560e seems to be a touch lazier than the S350d. As the S560e has to cope with those heavier electrical bits, it doesn’t handle as neatly as the S350d in curvy roads.
And because the S560e in AMG Premium spec isn’t any cheaper than BMW’s plug-in 7 Series, it would be nice if there was a lower trim.
Buy or bye?
First’s thing first. The decision to use the S560e badge over the outgoing S500e moniker to mark the former’s superior electrification and performance makes sense. It’s certainly the opposite with the latest C300e, which we tested recently, that acts as a replacement for the lower-performing C350e.
In terms of real-world performance, the S560e runs very close to the S350d with sumptuous levels of tractability. It’s the same case when proposing the C220d or C300e notion.
But as a limo most likely to be chauffeur-driven on a daily basis, the S560e probably is more appealing with a new-age propulsion being mated with conventional power. In fact, quietness is a key ingredient of many top-end sedans these days.
THE NEMESIS
Just as Mercedes-Benz is putting the facelifted S-Class into Thai showrooms with an improved hybrid drivetrain, archrival BMW is preparing to do exactly the same with the pending revised 7 Series.
BMW’s flagship sedan has already been revealed in Europe with the controversial “big nose” treatment. More crucial, though, is the new 745e superseding the pre-facelift’s 740e with more power and electric driving range.
Gone is the 2.0-litre four-pot engine and in comes the 3.0-litre inline-sixer. Like in the S560e, the 745e receives a new lithium-ion battery pack with higher energy storage to increase the EV range to some 50km.
Although not as powerful as the S560e, the 745e is more potent than its 740e predecessor. The combined outputs of 394hp and 600Nm have shot up from 326hp and 500Nm.