MERCEDES’ new S 500 Plug-in Hybrid is a tax-beater thanks to CO2 emissions of just 65 g/km. That means a benefit-in-kind tax rate of just five per cent and a 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
Economy is impressive too, with a combined MPG of 100.9, although like the CO2 figures, that’s flattered by the favourable treatment of plug-in hybrids under current official tests.
The big news, though, is that for all its economy, the Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid won’t be providing a hair-shirt experience. There’s a top speed of 155 mph and a list of luxury equipment items as long as your arm.
The performance comes from a 333 PS V6 biturbo petrol engine and an electric motor developing 116 PS, a total of 442 PS and 650 Nm of torque. The new car is also capable of travelling in electric-only mode for twenty miles.
The Mercedes S 500 Plug-in Hybrid’s spec is based on that of S 500 L AMG Line, which means there are nineteen-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG body styling for the front and rear bumpers, an LED intelligent light system, COMAND Online, noise insulating glass, leather upholstery and a front seat memory package.
The Mercedes S 500 Plug-in Hybrid slots into the range above the (non-plug-in) S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid and S 400 Hybrid variants with a price of £87,965. Only the long wheelbase body will be offered in the UK.
