Mercedes-Benz->ke187 is expanding its S-Class->ke359 lineup for 2015 with a plug-in hybrid version, joining the S400 Hybrid and the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid. The S550 Plug-in Hybrid features an extreme level of technical innovations all working together to produce the most efficient driving experience while still offering all the posh buyers expect from Mercedes.

The sedan->ke142 uses a twin-turbocharged, V-6 engine and a high-voltage, 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery to motivate the car. A super-compact electric motor fits in place of the seven-speed automatic’s torque converter, allowing for easy fitment under the S-Class’ floor pan.

Four drive modes allow the driver to chose between Hybrid, E-Mode (electric only, E-Save (less electric, more gasoline) and Charge (charges the battery while driving). The S550 Plug-in Hybrid also uses recuperative braking system to slow the car. The system works to eliminate the noticeable transition between the conventional brakes and the electric motor in generator mode.

On top of recuperative braking, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid lives up to its name by offering a receptacle in the rear bumper for charging from a power source. What’s more, Mercedes is working alongside BMW on a wireless, inductive charging system. Mercedes hasn’t revealed when inductive charging with be available, but expect it in the future.

Updated 09/17/2014: Mercedes unveiled a new set of images and full specs on the 2015 S500 Plug-in Hybrid. Check them out after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the S500 Plug-In Hybrid

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in Hybrid

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in Hybrid
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 436
  • Torque: 479
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Things are pretty standard here, as the S550 Plug-in Hybrid shares the same architecture and design as the conventional S-Class sedans. The only major difference lies on the right side of the rear bumper, where Mercedes located the charging port. A locking mechanism keeps the charging cord secured to the vehicle during operation, preventing it from theft or unintentional unplugging.

Looking like a conventional S-Class isn’t a bad thing. Stretching 206.5 inches in length, the S-Class is a commanding vehicle. It’s large grille and LED headlights give it an intimidating appearance. Things get a little swoopy out back, with the C-pillars rolling into the truck lid. The line continues past the taillights and into the rear bumper.

Besides the small door for the charging port, the only identifier of this car’s electrification is the “PLUG IN HYBRID” badge running across its trunk.

Standard Exterior Features

-8.7 kWh Lithium-ion Battery

-Bumper-mounted charging socket

-Intelligent HYBRID technology: anticipatory energy management

-Recuperative braking

-COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

-MAGIC VISION CONTROL

-Soft-close doors

Interior

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has put other automakers on notice with its forward-thinking design. A massive digital dashboard shows nearly every conceivable bit of information about the car while diamond-pattern quilting graces the heated and cooled power seats.

Perhaps the most innovative feature the S550 Plug-in Hybrid offers is the Pre-Entry Climate Control system. Program the car with your next departure time, and it will begin cooling off the interior using only electricity. That’s thanks to the HVAC system being fully electric. Even the seats will heat or cool to your set preference. On cold days, the steering wheel and armrests will preheat as well.

Rear-seat comfort is at a premium, with the S550 offering tons of leg, hip, shoulder, and headroom for even the tallest passengers.

Standard Interior Features

-Four Hybrid Modes: HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE, CHARGE

-Pre-Entry Climate Control

-mbrace2™

-Panorama roof

-Burmester Surround Sound System

-LED Ambient Lighting with choice of seven colors, five dimming levels & four different dimming zones

-Two 12.3-inch high-resolution screens for central display & instrument cluster

Drivetrain

Here’s where things get interesting. The S550 Plug-in Hybrid carries a 3.0-liter V-6 sporting two turbochargers. By itself, it makes 329 horsepower between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,000 revs. Add to that the 85 kW electric motor that’s good for an extra 114 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. With gas and electric combined, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid generates 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

At full hilt, the Benz will hit 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds on its way to a 130-mph top speed. On the highway, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid can cruise up to 87 mph in electric mode and receives a 2.8 l/100km (84 mpg U.S.) rating on the EU's combined cycle. That number will likely fall in the EPA's testing process.

Fully charged, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid offers a 20-mile, fully electric range. Helping with that range is Mercedes’ intelligent operating strategy. The car works to ensure the battery is fully charged before entering an urban area. This strategy allows for the maximum distance possible in full electric mode. This system is especially handy considering the several places in Europe where gasoline engines are restricted in urban areas.

Drivetrain Specifications

Internal combustion engine:

Number of cylinders/arrangement

6/V

Mixture formation

High-pressure injection, 2 turbochargers

Displacement (cc)

2996

Rated output (hp at rpm)

329 HP @ 5250-6000 RPM

Rated torque

354 LB-FT @ 1600-4000 RPM

Electric motor:

Output (kW/hp)

85 kW / 114 hp

Torque (Nm / lb-ft)

340 Nm / 251 lb-ft

System output (kW/hp)

325 kW / 436 hp

System torque (Nm/lb-ft)

650 Nm / 479 lb-ft

Consumption combined from (l/100 km)

2.8

CO2 emissions combined from (g/km)

65

Efficiency class

A+

Electric range (miles)

20

Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)

5.2

Top speed (mph)

130 mph

Top speed electric (mph)

87 mph


Pricing

Mercedes-Benz has yet to release pricing for the 2015 S550 Plug-in Hybrid, but we can expect its MSRP to start above the $100,000 mark. Sales won’t begin until the spring of 2015, so expect Mercedes to announce prices just prior.

Competition

2015 Audi A8 Hybrid

Fortunately for Mercedes, there is not much competition for its new S550 Plug-In Hybrid, but Audi will come with a new hybrid variant of its flagship A8 in 2015. This 2.0-liter-powered luxury sedan puts out 245 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque that sprints it to 60 mph in an estimated 6.5 seconds.

Since the A8 Hybrid is snot a plug-in model, it will burn through a lot more fuel than the S550 PIH.

2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 7

We're not too sure just how long BMW will offer the ActiveHybrid 7, but we think it'll last through 2015. This peppy fuel-sipper is ready to hang with the S550 Plug-In with its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to produce 350 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque.

This engine and an eight-speed auto get this large hybrid to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, while getting a lackluster 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Conclusion

Mercedes has managed to make a very capable hybrid out of its largest sedan. Of course, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid isn’t the most cost-effective way to save on fuel, but it surely is one of the more luxurious and exciting ways. With tons of tech and comfort far beyond the norm, the S550 is a rich nerd’s dream machine.