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2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Review: Bridging The Gap
by Belinda Anderson
After a three-year hiatus, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid returns to the USA for 2023; it's an all-new car and is available in a single trim called the S580e. The 2023 S-Class Hybrid can be seen as the bridge between the combustion-powered S-Class and the electric EQS, a midway mark for EV fans with range anxiety who want a gas engine as a backup. It's a superb hybrid, but it gets fierce competition from the latest BMW 7 Series Hybrid - at least in looks and in-cabin tech because the S-Class Hybrid is quite a bit more powerful. With 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0L inline-six plug-in hybrid engine, the S580e is two-tenths quicker to 60 mph than its German rival. With a starting price upwards of $122k, it slots in between the gas six- and eight-cylinder models. But is a plug-in model still relevant in the luxury sedan segment, or will it serve as a forgotten in-betweener - no more than stand-in transitional tech on our way to full electrification?
Read in this review:
- Exterior Design 9 /10
- Performance 8 /10
- Fuel Economy 9 /10
- 10 /10
- Infotainment & Features 10 /10
- Reliability 8 /10
- Safety 10 /10
- Value For Money 8 /10
9.0
What is BuzzScore?
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 S-Class Hybrid?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid is an all-new plug-in option for the flagship sedan. After some time away from the market, it arrives with a 510-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain, a 4.4-second benchmark 0-60 sprint, 53/48 MPGe city/highway gas mileage figures, and a range of around 46 miles on electric power alone. The latter figure is a vast improvement over the previous S-Class Hybrid that was on sale three years ago. The starting price for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid is $122,550 - around $12k more than the older model.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful hybrid engine
- Comfortable ride
- Isolated, quiet cabin
- Good all-electric range
- Opulent interior
- Understated looks may be too toned-down for some
- Pricey options
- Rivals are cheaper
What's The Price Of The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid price starts at $122,550 for the base model, while the AMG Line will cost $126,850. This is the MSRP for the Merc S-Class Hybrid and excludes the $1,150 destination charge.
For comparison, the BMW 7 Series Hybrid - on sale as a 2024 model - is a far sight cheaper, starting at $107k.
Best Deals on 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid
2023 Mercedes-Benz S580e Plug-In Hybrid
$123,295
4,400 miles
Fair Deal
Average price
2023 Mercedes-Benz S580e Plug-In Hybrid
$103,000
12 miles
2023 Mercedes-Benz S580e Plug-In Hybrid
$125,995
1,974 miles
Fair Deal
Average price
2023 Mercedes-Benz S580e Plug-In Hybrid
$142,190
N/A miles
See All S-Class Hybrid For Sale
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Trims
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 580e Plug-In Hybrid | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Plug-in Hybrid | 9-Speed Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | $122,550 |
See All 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Trims and Specs
2023 S-Class Hybrid Exterior
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See All 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Exterior Photos
Dimensions
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Length 208.2 in
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Wheelbase 126.6 in
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Height 59.2 in
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Max Width 76.9 in
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Front Width 65.2 in
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Rear Width 66.3 in
Exterior Colors
- MANUFAKTUR Diamond White +$1,750
- MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold +$1,750
- MANUFAKTUR Cashmere White Magno +$3,250
- MANUFAKTUR Selenite Gray Magno +$3,250
- Black
- Obsidian Black Metallic
- Onyx Black Metallic
- Rubellite Red Metallic
- Graphite Grey Metallic
- Mojave Silver Metallic
- Cirrus Silver Metallic
- Emerald Green Metallic
- Selenite Grey Metallic
- MANUFAKTUR Mystic Blue Metallic, *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
- MANUFAKTUR Graphite Metallic, *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
See all 21 colors
2023 S-Class Hybrid Performance
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Engine and Transmission
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Engine
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Plug-in Hybrid
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Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
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Drivetrain
AWD
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Handling And Driving Impressions
The powertrain in the new S-Class Hybrid is potent and allows rapid acceleration from a standstill. Combined with a chassis setup that favors comfort, the Merc S-Class PHEV is an ideal highway cruiser that can overtake and merge without batting an eye. It takes road scars and smaller bumps in its stride, although occupants will likely feel larger jostles and potholes. While a quick test drive review of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid will praise its comfortable, sublime ride, the brake feel is noted as being rather inconsistent. As expected of a hefty vehicle like this, it's also not ideal when hustled through corners at speed. Treat it with respect, though, and you'll be able to fully relax on any journey.
2023 S-Class Hybrid Interior
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Seating and Interior Space
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Seating capacity
5-seater
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Front Leg Room 41.0 in
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Front Head Room 39.3 in
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Rear Leg Room 44.0 in
2023 S-Class Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
© Mercedes-Benz AG 
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Trunk Volume
12.9 ft³
2023 S-Class Hybrid Safety and Reliability
Warranty
- Basic:
4 Years\50,000 Miles
- Drivetrain:
4 Years\50,000 Miles
- Corrosion:
4 Years\50,000 Miles
- Hybrid/Electric Components:
8 Years\80,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance:
4 Years\50,000 Miles
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Verdict: Is The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid A Good Car?
The regular S-Class is considered by many to be the gold standard in the segment, so expectations are high for the plug-in hybrid version. And, if you measure the 2023 S-Class Hybrid according to these expectations, it does an admirable job: it's opulent inside, it comes with the latest tech (and there's even more on offer if you peruse the options list), it has a powerful engine with 510 horses that gets it up to speed in no time, and it feeds into the executive cruiser feeling with a comfortable drive. Some may feel it's too demure in terms of looks, but that's part of its charm. It's an ideal step forward for those who don't want to jump straight into electrification as it comes with good gas mileage figures and an impressive 46 miles of range without even using the gas engine. Of course, it's not cheap - but you weren't expecting it to be, were you?
What 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
There's technically just one model available in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid sedan range, but you can choose to outfit it as an AMG Line model with a starting price of $126,850. This will add AMG body styling and AMG-specific wheels, as well as some interior detailing around the cabin. Most will be happy with the basic Luxury Line, which is $4,300 cheaper - but we'd add the Warmth & Comfort Package for heated and ventilated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as the 3D Technology Package for the augmented reality head-up display, 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster, and facial recognition. Total costs will come in just over $130k, destination included.
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