2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e: Green Executive

The electrification of the large luxury sedan segment is gaining momentum, as Mercedes-Benz has introduced the S 550e plug-in hybrid this year, joining a growing family of S-Class models that includes hot-rod AMG variants and the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S 600.

It will go head to head with the BMW 740Le, the upcoming Cadillac CT6 plug-in hybrid and Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and, to a certain extent, the fully electric Tesla Model S.

• Also: 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet: When Too Much Isn’t Enough
• Also: First Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e plug-in hybrid

Fuel economy might not be a big concern for those who can afford a $100K automobile, but owning an environmentally friendly luxury sedan—relatively speaking, of course—might help send out the message that being wealthy doesn’t mean being careless in regards to air quality.

Nonetheless, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e is still very powerful. It’s equipped with a twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V6 engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack for a combined output of 436 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Managed by a seven-speed automatic transmission that sends all that muscle to the rear wheels, the PHEV powertrain allows the S 550e to hit 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, according to the manufacturer.

It’s only 0.4 second slower than the S550, which is only slightly more powerful, and almost a second quicker than the base, 329-hp S 400, so there is no performance sacrifice here. Like most versions of the S-Class, top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h, but in fully electric mode, the big sedan can travel at a speed of up to 140 km/h.

The drive system includes Sport, Eco and Eco+ modes, although most owners will likely keep the vehicle in the economy settings in order to maximise range and fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz estimates the S 550e’s EV range at 33 kilometres; the best we could do is 27 km on a full charge, although we did need to hit the highway on our daily drive, which reduces range more quickly due to the high driving speeds. The charge port is located on the passenger side of the rear bumper. At the conclusion of our week-long test, we recorded an average of 8.4 L/100 km, which is excellent for a lounge on wheels.

The V6 engine is smooth, as are the transitions between gas and electric propulsion, or a mix of both. The cockpit of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is already extremely silent, running on electric power alone won’t make much of a difference inside. If you didn’t tell your passengers that they’re aboard a plug-in hybrid, and they didn’t see the somewhat tacky decals on the bottom of the doors, they probably wouldn’t guess it. I’m assuming a buyer can choose whether he or she wants those decals or not, but how else could we flaunt our environmentally friendly Benz?

The S 550e’s living quarters are pure S-Class as well. The squishy front seats will make any long-distance cruise relaxing, while ventilation and massaging functions are available as well. The AIRMATIC suspension offers Sport and Comfort settings, and both provide a cloud-like ride, which is exactly what an S-Class is all about.

The chrome circular air vents are classy, mixing well with the metallic surfaces of the Burmester sound system speakers and silver trim spread around the cockpit. The two-screen instrument panel looks a little too square in an otherwise round and wavy dashboard design, but adds a splash of sophistication to the overall appearance. Sounding like a broken record, Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system isn’t the easiest to use, as we have to do a lot of menu browsing for the simplest tasks.

The Premium Package, which bundles a 360-degree camera system, Nappa leather upholstery, the aforementioned front seat ventilation and power rear window blinds, also includes what the brand calls Drive-Dynamic Multicontour Front Seats. Basically, the side seat bolsters inflate and deflate when the car is turning a street corner or thrown into a curve in order to better support the front passengers. A nice touch, if a little unessential.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e is priced at $117,900 before freight and delivery charges. It’s a few thousand less than an S 550 4MATIC, although you don’t get all-wheel drive in the plug-in hybrid version, which is somewhat of a downside for confronting our winter season. The BMW 740Le costs about ten grand less than the Benz and concedes more than 110 hp, but it does include AWD. Our test car retailed for more than $130K.

So, here’s a “green” S-Class that can be really fuel efficient, but as long as we’re into plugging the car every day. Especially in winter, when the rear bumper is covered in slush or mud, do we really want to get our hands dirty? Aren’t we supposed to be high-priced executives who have employees that are paid to get their hands dirty for us? Well, yes.

On the other hand, in certain metropolitan areas, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are now permitted to drive on HOV lanes, even if there’s only one person on board. Bypassing traffic jams in a lavish luxury car might be the best reason to choose the S 550e over any other S-Class variant.

And no matter how much a vehicle costs, there’s always a certain satisfaction to know that it can drive on electric power alone, and that we’re spending less time at the gas station. The S 550e is every bit an S-Class, but without the guilt. Then again, who feels guilty about buying a Mercedes?