The Mercedes-Benz S 500e Plug-in Hybrid, produced between September 2014 and June 2017, represented a significant step towards electrification for the flagship S-Class (V222) model. Part of the long-wheelbase (L) variant, the S 500e combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and improved fuel efficiency. Positioned as a premium offering within the S-Class range, it catered to buyers seeking a sophisticated and technologically advanced vehicle with reduced emissions. The S 500e was built on the 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with other high-end Mercedes-Benz models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class Long (V222) |
| Type | S 500e V6 (442 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | September, 2014 |
| End of production | June, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 2.8 l/100 km (84 US mpg, 100.9 UK mpg, 35.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 65 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.8 kg/Hp, 206.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 303.7 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 8.7 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 114 kg (251.33 lbs) |
| All-electric range | 33 km (20.51 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption | 15.5 kWh/100 km (24.94 kWh/100 mi, 135 MPGe, 6.5 km/kWh, 4 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 116 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) |
| System power | 442 Hp |
| System torque | 650 Nm (479.42 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine Power | 333 Hp @ 5250-6000 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 480 Nm @ 1600-4000 rpm (354.03 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4000 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 | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.3 l (13 US qt | 10.82 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2140 kg (4717.89 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2825 kg (6228.06 lbs) |
| Max load | 685 kg (1510.17 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 395 l (13.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 5246 mm (206.54 in.) |
| Width | 1899 mm (74.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2130 mm (83.86 in.) |
| Height | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3165 mm (124.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1637 mm (64.45 in.) |
| Front overhang | 888 mm (34.96 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1193 mm (46.97 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.3 m (40.35 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive. PHEV. |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The S 500e’s powertrain centers around the M 276.824 3.0-liter V6 engine, a member of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family. This engine utilizes direct injection and twin turbochargers to produce 333 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor, positioned between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission, adds another 116 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The combined system output reaches 442 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission was specifically calibrated to work seamlessly with the electric motor, providing smooth shifts and efficient power delivery. The 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is housed under the trunk floor, slightly reducing cargo capacity. The engine features a DOHC valvetrain and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.
Driving Characteristics
The S 500e offers a unique driving experience. In electric-only mode, it can travel up to 20.5 miles (NEDC) at speeds up to 87 mph, providing silent and emission-free operation. When the battery is depleted or more power is needed, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in. The combined power delivery results in a 0-60 mph time of around 4.9 seconds. Compared to the S 500 with the standard V8 engine, the S 500e prioritizes efficiency over outright performance, but still delivers ample power for comfortable and confident driving. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both fuel economy and responsiveness. The hybrid system’s control unit intelligently manages the power flow between the engine and the electric motor, maximizing efficiency and minimizing emissions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As a flagship model, the S 500e 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 navigation, 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 interior design mirrored that of other S-Class models, emphasizing elegance and sophistication. The long wheelbase provided generous rear legroom, enhancing passenger comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The S 500e utilizes an independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear, coupled with Mercedes-Benz’s AIRMATIC air suspension system. This provides a smooth and comfortable ride, while also offering adjustable ride height and damping settings. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The car is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic stability control, and traction control. The added weight of the battery pack necessitated slightly stiffer spring rates and dampers compared to the standard S-Class models, but the overall ride quality remained exceptionally refined.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S 500e was generally well-received by critics, who praised its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted the reduced trunk space due to the battery pack and the slightly higher price compared to other S-Class variants. Compared to the S 500 with the V8 engine, the S 500e offered significantly better fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions. Against other plug-in hybrid luxury sedans of the time, the S 500e stood out for its refinement, technology, and overall driving experience.
Legacy
The S 500e played a crucial role in establishing Mercedes-Benz as a leader in plug-in hybrid technology. While the model was discontinued in 2017, it paved the way for the current generation of Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid vehicles. The powertrain has proven to be relatively reliable, with the most common issues related to the battery pack and the hybrid system’s control unit. On the used car market, the S 500e remains a desirable option for buyers seeking a luxurious and fuel-efficient sedan with advanced technology. Its combination of performance, comfort, and environmental friendliness continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
