Ian Ffield

I went to pick up some Freeside Mood from the parts department on lunch break today and decided to peek into the showroom, hoping to see the brand new S580e, but to no avail.

So I asked a sales gentlemen about it, and he told me they are starting to load up the cargo ships with them now. He expects his showroom to have them sometime in March.

I then asked about the S580e PHEV, and if it will be available. He quickly replied "only in California". We got to talking some more about my car (S550e), then he mentioned there were 3 or 4 other emission's strict states that had there own regulations blah blah blah. So not sure if that means those other states will get them.

I then of course asked of EQS and he just told me the thing would be "wild", and have you seen the hyperscreen? etc...

My take:

As a long time EV owner/enthusiast/technician, as well as ICE, I cannot wait to check out that S580e in March. If I like how it feels to me, and if it passes the 3 year quality/durability test, I could see myself in CPO S580e.

While EV's are great, and we will have to see with the EQS... The luxury EV's tend to be too "bleeding-edge" with constant service center visits, software updates, crappy service, fuel and parts infrastructure etc... You never see battery fires with hybrids, or dying MCU's, or breaking door handles with big auto etc.... I really hope MB made those new handles "child proof".

And also, who wants to wait at a "fast charger"? With 100mi PHEV on the horizon, why not just fast charge at the dusty old gas pumps on occasion for your cheap little Prius prime road trip vs. driving some hyper range million dollar EV that loves service centers and sounds like a Prius inside the cabin.

Please discuss...

stealth.pilot

As an EV enthusiast (I haven't owned one but I love driving them) I am not that excited about the S580e. I have a plug-in hybrid myself - the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid. The issue with these cars is that they are fantastic compared with ICE vehicles, but as an EV they are disappointing. While the S580e does have a very impressive 100 mile range on pure electric, you have to remember that when you are driving on pure electric you are driving a 130hp S-Class. I find electric mode on a plug-in hybrid is cool in traffic, but there is very little joy in it.

I test drive the humble $60k Tesla Model Y Performance yesterday and while it is not a luxury car, the enjoyment eclipsed my $200k Panamera. The instant torque of an electric motor - when you have a lot of HP - is super special.

The EQS - if they price it like an S-Class and not like a Taycan, is the car to buy.

Personally I don't care about charging networks. To me the whole point of an EV is the ability to charge overnight at home. If I was taking a long road trip, I'd take my GLE. But I haven't driven more than 300 miles in a day since a road trip in 2016.

stealth.pilot

Oh BTW I think this battery fire issue is overblown. Seems very rare, and no more common that fires in ICE powered vehicles.

ColeBlooded

I wonder if it will be allowed to drive in California Carpool lanes without a passenger?

stealth.pilot

I don't think they offer that for new PHEVs any more. Some older PHEVs from Audi and BMW are still eligible, but newer models like my Porsche Panamera plug-in are not on the list. I would imagine the S580e will be treated similarly to the Panamera.

S550e

Well that's unfortunate... that was one of the few reasons why I picked up the S550e over the 550. I am constantly commuting from OC to LA and ride in the carpool lane by myself.

stealth.pilot

It's worth keeping an eye on the list in case it changes. I find it weird that some brands have Plug-in hybrids on the 2021 list, but Mercedes and Porsche have none.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/eligible-carpool-sticker-list

S550e

Could be a MY2022 if it is coming mid 21... hoping it is still eligible or a new S-Class may not be in my future. I love my car and will keep enjoying it until the stickers expire.

haYnBenz

Does anyone know if the 2022 S580e can be ordered in the US?

Thanks

mercedesmax

Nope.

Diesel Benz

Perhaps I can now ask what makes you after the S580e instead of the EQS?

haYnBenz

I live in a condo and don't have a way to charge reliably so a full BEV will not work for me (I used to have a Tesla). The S580e has slightly better range than my S550e and I haven't quite acquired a taste for the EQSs styling.

cheenuabc

I think EQS back is ugly otherwise I would consider it so I would prefer 580e over it( I did not care for tesla either}

Diesel Benz

Seems we agree to some extent. In my opinion it is not only the rear of the EQS that is ugly. 580e would be my choice even if the EQS would be less expensive. The resale value is a lottery.

bishop64

I also find the EQS ugly. The EQC is slightly better and the EQA is the best looking.
I have to see an actual EQS to confirm but somehow all the pics and videos of it give me a feeling of flimsy. I do not know if it is the external styling or what but somehow it does not convey the standard solid feel of a Mercedes to me. MB could have done this better as this is fresh start to design something new. But, for some reasons, it seems the design gives me a tiny hint of a Tesla, :-(

Diesel Benz

I've seen the EQS live and to be honest, it does not look too ugly (if at all) but it does not look anything like an S-class limousine, not even intended to look like that but it is the S-class limousine that I'm after. I don't see the EQS any option for those who are considering to purchase an S-class. I'm sure there will still be many who end up to the EQS, perhaps some can afford both, some are not previous S-class owners but just want a luxury EV.

cheenuabc

I have seen and driven eqs. side and rear look does not feel like an s class, in fact it is a turn off after the interior look and drive is fine but I prefer the gasoline engine feel.

cblueG

Did anyone on this thread end up ordering an S580e for next year?

hdrill

Hello Utkarshseth,

I am waiting to order the S580e, but I will only order it once it has the Digital Lights. So far, there is no word on when the digital lights will come with the S Class. I was told soon, but nothing more than that. Dealers are taking orders for the '23 model, but no MSRP price has been formalized yet.