The biggest rival to Mercedes' all-electric EQS arrives. And it's another Mercedes

AuthorMichael McAleer
Published date23 November 2022
Publication titleIrish Times: Web Edition Articles (Dublin, Ireland)
On paper it made sense – and perhaps upon reflection it was a very wise strategic move. For the truth is that the EQS is not the benchmark car for the electric age we all expected. All the creature comforts inside, impressive range and enormous screens don't deflect from bland exterior styling and driving dynamics that simply aren't on a par with what you expect from the long-term leader in this luxury class

It seemed like a massive own goal for Mercedes, particularly when BMW rolled out its new all-electric i7. Certainly, the BMW's looks will put many buyers off – bland it ain't – but if you can see past that grille and the touches of gaudy nightclub bling inside, you were presented with a better all-electric luxury car than the EQS.

Thankfully, help is at hand for Merc in the form of the long-term champion S-Class. While it might not come without some form of engine, in many ways a plug-in hybrid S-Class delivers the best of both worlds. The S580e boasts a battery pack big enough to look after you for the guts of 100km before resorting to its petrol power. Ultimately this means with a full tank and a full charge, you can conquer 800km without worrying about refuelling or recharging.

This is not the S-Class's first foray into plug-in hybrid. Back in the middle of the last decade there was an S500e version promising a meagre 33km of full-electric motoring. In reality it delivered much less, particularly when its two tonnes of metal was required to hurtle towards the horizon at motorway speeds.

Clearly the rapid pace of plug-in developments made the S500e seem out of date before it left the garage. This time things are different. The S580e's official promise of 102km is pretty close to reality, even if you do spend your motoring life on the M1. During our time in the car it delivered more than 80km of EV motoring on a mix of driving conditions and routes. It was a rarity to hear the engine at work.

That's...

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