The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class was introduced to the world via a book-size press release and north of 300 pictures. It has been dissected and talked about by every car-centric outlet worth its salt but we all missed one important detail about Mercedes’ new flagship: it will spawn a pretty potent hybrid version.

A plug-in hybrid with an eye for performance

It’s pretty clear what the new S-Class will offer in the States at launch as far as powertrains are concerned.

The former is moved by a 3-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost and makes do with 429 horsepower between 5500 and 6100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque unlocked between 1600 and 4500 rpm.

The S-Class S580 4Matic gets a 4-liter biturbo V-8 (also with EQ Boost) cranking out 496 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 516 pound-feet in the 2000-4000 rpm bracket.

We don’t know how quick they can reach 60 mph from a standstill, though, but Mercedes-Benz says both can reach a top speed of 130 mph.

2021 Mercedes-benz S-Class - U.S. lineup

Autocar reports that a plug-in hybrid S-Class dubbed S580e is coming with a 3-liter straight-six engine and an electric motor mounted inside the gearbox for a total power output of 510 horsepower. It will also be able to run solely on electricity for 100 kilometers (62 miles) thanks to a 28-kWh Li-ion battery pack.

Final Word

There’s some bad news, though. It’s still unclear whether Mercedes-Benz will bring this PHEV S-Class in the U.S. as at this point, it looks like an EU-only affair. Obviously, this is not your save-the-planet kind of hybrid, but we’re not complaining.

After all, 510 horsepower with an electric twist are enough to write home about. Also, it’s good to see that Porsche isn’t the only carmaker out there poised on offering performance-focused hybrids.