The Mercedes-Benz S 560e Long, produced from October 2018 to September 2020, represents a significant step in the evolution of the flagship S-Class (V222 facelift) towards electrified luxury. Positioned as a premium offering within the S-Class range, the 560e combined a powerful gasoline engine with plug-in hybrid technology, offering both impressive performance and enhanced fuel efficiency. This variant was primarily aimed at the European and North American markets, catering to buyers seeking a luxurious, technologically advanced sedan with reduced emissions. It utilized the long-wheelbase configuration (V222) offering increased rear passenger space, a key feature for its target demographic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class Long (V222, facelift 2017) |
| Type (Engine) | S 560e V6 (476 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid 9G-TRONIC |
| Start of production | October, 2018 |
| End of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 2.5-2.6 l/100 km (94.1 – 90.5 US mpg, 113 – 108.6 UK mpg, 40 – 38.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 57-59 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp, 218.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 321.1 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 13.5 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Inside the trunk |
| All-electric range (NEDC) | 50 km (31.07 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC) | 20-20.2 kWh/100 km (32.19 – 32.51 kWh/100 mi, 105 – 104 MPGe, 5 – 5 km/kWh, 3.1 – 3.1 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 122 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 440 Nm @ 0-2000 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 0-2000 rpm) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 476 Hp |
| System torque | 700 Nm (516.29 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 367 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1800-4500 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1800-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 276.824 |
| Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 (182.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.1 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2825 kg (6228.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 645 kg (1421.98 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 5255 mm (206.89 in.) |
| Width | 1899 mm (74.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2130 mm (83.86 in.) |
| Height | 1494 mm (58.82 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3165 mm (124.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1637 mm (64.45 in.) |
| Front overhang | 897 mm (35.31 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1193 mm (46.97 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 128 mm (5.04 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.3 m (40.35 ft.) |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 9 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The S 560e’s powertrain centers around the M 276.824 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, coupled with a powerful electric motor integrated between the engine and the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine itself features direct injection and twin-turbocharging, producing 367 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor contributes an additional 122 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a combined system output of 476 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, positioned within the trunk, provides an all-electric range of approximately 31 miles (50 km) under the NEDC cycle. The 9G-TRONIC transmission is specifically calibrated to work seamlessly with the electric motor, optimizing efficiency and providing smooth gear changes. The engine utilizes a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter to further reduce emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The S 560e offers a unique driving experience, blending the refinement of the S-Class with the instant torque of an electric motor. In electric mode, the car provides near-silent operation and brisk acceleration for city driving. Switching to hybrid mode allows the engine and motor to work in tandem, delivering strong performance for highway cruising and overtaking. While the 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds is respectable, it’s slightly slower than the V8-powered S 560, reflecting the added weight of the battery pack. The 9G-TRONIC transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both efficiency and performance, providing smooth and responsive shifts. The car’s weight distribution is slightly affected by the battery placement, but the sophisticated air suspension system effectively mitigates any noticeable handling differences.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As a flagship model, the S 560e came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a premium Burmester sound system, a large infotainment display with Mercedes’ MBUX system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included rear-seat entertainment, a panoramic sunroof, and various interior trim options. The long-wheelbase configuration provided significantly more rear legroom, enhancing the comfort of rear passengers. Exterior styling was largely consistent with other S-Class models, with subtle badging indicating the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Chassis & Braking
The S 560e utilizes a sophisticated chassis design featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, both equipped with air suspension and transverse stabilizers. This setup provides a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces. Ventilated disc brakes are used on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The car is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock braking system), electronic stability control, and electric power steering. Tire sizes varied depending on the chosen wheel size, ranging from 245/50 R18 to 275/35 R20.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S 560e was generally well-received by critics, who praised its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and impressive fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the battery pack reduced trunk space and added weight. Compared to the standard S 560, the 560e offered lower running costs and reduced emissions, but at the expense of some performance. Against other plug-in hybrid luxury sedans, such as the BMW 740e, the S 560e stood out for its superior ride quality and more refined interior. Its fuel economy, while excellent, was comparable to other PHEV offerings in the segment.
Legacy
The S 560e represents an important milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s electrification strategy. While production was relatively short-lived, the model demonstrated the potential for combining luxury and sustainability. The powertrain, while complex, has proven to be reasonably reliable, with the most common issues relating to the battery management system and charging infrastructure compatibility. On the used car market, the S 560e remains a desirable option for buyers seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced sedan with a reduced environmental impact. Its long-term value is influenced by battery health and the availability of charging infrastructure.
