At an EQ Power event in KL today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) launched their first Plug-in Hybrid S-Class, the S560e.
Based on the facelifted W222 S-Class chassis, the S560e joins the current range or flagship Benz vehicles that include the S450L, the S560 Cabriolet, the Maybach S560, and the AMG S63 Coupe.
Performance
This is the first PHEV version of the S-Class. The S400h that came in the pre-facelifted W222 was a ‘mild’ hybrid.
In the S560e, MBM have paired a 3-litre V6 petrol (270kW/367hp) with an electric motor (90kW) for a total combined system output of 350kW. These motors send power to the rear wheels via a 9GTRONIC PLUS automatic.
The S560e gets from 0-100km/h in 5 seconds and tops out at 250km/h. The Mercedes-Maybach S560 does very similar numbers (4.9 seconds to 100km/h) with its biturbo V8, so the badging is very representative of the car’s power.
A 13.5 kWh battery enables the S560e to travel 50km on pure electric power and it charges up fully in 1.8 hours (Wallbox charger) or 6 hours (Domestic plug).
Key Features
Being a Mercedes S-Class, luxury and technology are paramount on this new Benz. You get high-gloss burr walnut wood inlays, nappa leather, and the car is packaged as an ‘Exclusive’ trim variant rather an ‘AMG Line’ model as with the S450L.
MBM have also included the ‘Chauffeur package’ on this S560e. Amongst other features, this lets you move the front passenger seat into a more relaxing position with a power retractable foot rest as well. Rear passengers get executive, multi-contour seats. Being a PHEV, you are able to set pre-entry climate control to get the car cooled before getting into it.
Price
The S560e is priced at RM658,888. With Agility Financing starting at RM6588 a month.
Mercedes-Benz also previewed a couple of other electrified vehicles under their EQ Power umbrella. The C300e and the EQC.
The C300e
Just like the C350e on the pre-facelift W205, the C300e is a PHEV with a 2-litre engine and electric motor. Here are its specifications.
Mercedes-Benz C300e Malaysian Preview MBM will probably sort local production of the car out before releasing a realistic price for this vehicle.
The EQC 400 4MATIC
MBM first teased the arrival of this vehicle last year. And while this left-hand drive version isn’t exactly ready for sale here, it’s very exciting to see the thing in the metal. Expect its arrival in 2020 with a price tag of around RM600,000.
The EQC is a pure electric SUV powered by two motors that’s capable of 450km of driving range and quick charge from 10%-80% in 40 minutes. We can’t wait to see these on Malaysian roads.
