Mercedes-Benz S-Class: S350d diesel vs S580e PHEV

Not all that long ago, limousine buyers had things very easy, because they had very few choices to make. Naturally, you chose a Mercedes S-Class, because it was so superior to the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ with which it competed, and you chose the six-cylinder diesel version, which delivered the best mix of purchase price, running costs, performance and refinement. Easy.
Today, however, things have changed. Improvements in some rivals - most notably the Audi A8 - have gone some way towards levelling the playing field in the limousine class, to the extent where the big Merc - while still absolutely brilliant - is no longer the no-brainer it once once. And even if you do still plump for the Merc, the changing attitudes towards diesel - and the taxation implications that accompany them - mean that other powertrains might actually make more sense. So which will suit you best?
In this CarGurus UK video review, Vicky Parrott endeavours to answer the question: diesel or plug-in hybrid? After all, limousines tend to do the high mileages and regular long motorway journeys for which diesel still makes a whole lot of sense, so the S350 d in this test - with its 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, 282bhp diesel engine - is still in with a very good chance.
Its opponent is the S580 e version of the S-Class, with its all-the-rage plug-in hybrid powertrain. This combines a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver more than 500bhp and an all-electric range of up to 63 miles. Which will emerge victorious? Let the battle commence!
Read out full Mercedes S-Class expert review:
www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/Merce...
CarGurus can help you find great deals on used cars from top-rated dealers in your area. To find out more, visit www.cargurus.co.uk/
▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Practicality
02:45 - Rear seats
03:57 - Interior and infotainment
06:40 - S350d driving impressions
10:38 - S580e driving impressions
14:44 - Verdict
16:00 - Let us know your thoughts
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#cargurusUK #MercedesS-Class #VickyParrott
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[@willblack2306]

Great car, this S Class. Nevertheless I think it's let down by that anonymous dashboard. The one in the W222 was awesome! Very good video!

[@CarGurusUK]

Thanks a lot!

[@Ambienfinity]

It's a beautiful car, but I really don't like the 'tacked on' look of the digital speedometer cluster. I know it's probably just me because I'm old, but I like recessed analogue instruments, and it just looks a bit 'meh'. But a lovely car, great review. I'd go for the diesel, I think.

[@brianiswrong]

I agree, the S class should be classy and classic looking ,but with all the latest tech. So I would like a proper " old skool" dash pod in leather, but with the digital cluster set into it.

[@Ambienfinity]

@@brianiswrong Yes, that would work. I'm not against digital instruments, per se, but I dislike the 'glued to the dash' look of the mounted array (I also think recessed instruments are easier to read in daylight), but not to quibble, it's an amazing car; the S Class has always been a statement about the state of the art.....

[@Mr.P001]

Thanks for the video and I loved Bach's Cello Suite playing in the background for the quieter sections. These are both out of my price range right now but doing my research for a potential purchase in a few years time when pre owned prices are more palatable for my wallet . Both lovely cars with the S580e tempting me most

[@SoerenThorsen1972]

Gawd damn. Your reviews, personal touch and presence really has hit a sweet spot as of recent. Another nice review. I take your word as gospel.

[@CarGurusUK]

Thank you for your very kind words, glad you are enjoying the reviews.

[@ahmeduppal6888]

Great Review Vicky - I am looking to buy the 580e for personal use which is largely going for weekend occasional long drives or trips to Central London. UK is not getting the versions and options some of the other countries are getting including the rear wheel steering. How did you find the turning circle for the S class (says 12.5 meters on website) but I wonder how it feels like? Thank you so much !

[@RobG001]

Nicely done, PS, lovely dressing gown. We all have those days when the alarm clock does not go off. :)

[@Coastmac2001]

A shame, cause MB Aust have dropped just about every diesel variant from our market apart from 2 oilers In the GLE & the G 400d Wagon . A handful of E400d All Terrain wagons are on sale here that were excess stock for Australian police use. This variant was never sold In Australia, only the E200d All Terrain was sold as part of the E Class lineup here. The E400d AT's currently on the market have been modified by MB Australia to meet local compliance .

[@davidhuysmans67]

Thank you for this excellent review. 👍

[@CarGurusUK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@relaxationstation7374]

😍Big Question, is the S580e coming to North America?😍

[@perpeowoko]

There’s a watch that is more expensive than both the two cars combined, incredible.

[@josephcullen2512]

Wouldn't the S580e have the full ABC suspension system whereas the S350d would have just non active airmatic suspension unless Mercedes are being more generous with the full active suspension across the model variants these days but she did say the S580e is more comfortable and this could be why

[@pomerau]

I'm a bit confused about the RRP and price difference, having replayed the first segment again. The high trim 350d L gets to £105k where the 580e starts from ... ? Anyway (besides looking it up), I love Vicki's presentation / delivery. Two things I wonder: Is that 350d steering wheel THAT thickly rimmed. It seems enormous. I have small hands as 62yo ex HNW chauffeur - I broke my left wrist in July that never fully recovered flexion and can now drive a Cayenne part - time for a family but find their E300 coupe difficult as the wheel has a deeper rim on the sides. The other thing and I may have missed it but how is the brake feel on the hybrid. I hope it's not hampered like many PHEV'd. I won't be driving one again I suspect. Good video. Thank you.

[@brianiswrong]

Iam sure she said the 580 starts at £105'000 and the diesel L in a similar trim from £95'000

[@edmundhayes1840]

Seat adjustment on the door?!?! Is it just me or does it look a little similar to the door handle?

[@cretumarius9616]

It’s a shame they don’t offer the rear steering in Uk

[@Birmingham_racing]

If I was rich enough to buy one the mpg wouldn't be top of my list I would go whatever feels best or at least the most powerful diesel

[@Th3DadGam3r]

19p per kwh. this video didnt age well…

[@enricio]

I so much enjoyed your outcome of these twin test. Many car guys and girls seem to follow a narrative that diesel is out and EV and PHEV is The Future. 🤔 I think they're wrong. You apparently too. ❤️🔥✨😘

[@CarGurusUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@At_the_races]

I have the PHEV on order and the majority of my, very low, mileage will be done on electric what concerns me is that will the petrol deteriorate and damage the engine?

[@12345Glenroy]

I think you have the option to turn off electric mode if it concerns you, so you could alternative and have fuel drive days only :)

[@henrikkoukku2896]

2022 Genesis G90 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-class comparison, please. 🤔

[@automotivetv9861]

Actually, the best S-class is the previous generation S-class (2014-2020). Why? Because it has the exact comfort of the new S-class while maintaining a unique look. The new S class looks like every other car in the Mercedes line up. If i want a symbol of success i want something unique.

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

Like the cars, dislike the pricing Mercedes seem to think we drivers can afford for luxury, where as most of us can not. Cheers Vicky.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Lovely car’s 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍

[@mrmawson2438]

Great video love

[@bcar.....1977]

nice

[@CarGurusUK]

Thanks

[@TG-pd3ft]

8:50 Yikes look at that humongous pot hole!

[@xeed4545]

The limited cargo space in the PHEV version is pretty sad!

[@Endorion_YTC]

Where else do you expect the batteries to be? It's big and heavy? The top of the car?

[@bcar.....1977]

wow

[@f1b1777]

BMW in-line engine is still the best diesel. Am surprised you did not have 1 them with the Hyper screen .

[@willblack2306]

The hyperscreen is not available on the S class but on the EQS and EQE and their equivalent upcoming SUVs

[@thomaswalker1258]

To be honest the interior looks kinda outdated now compared to the eqs interior with the hyper screen

[@DS-gm8en]

Lucky girl🙂!!!

[@mrmawson2438]

Hello love it's a Rick person's car

[@OlllOHD]

Yes, give me diesel

[@Elliott74]

What is this fascination with diamond quilted seats/trim in so called luxury cars these days? the height of tacky! and all that lighting in the S-Class makes it look like a 90's night club, and to think Mercedes use to churn out understated vehicles of class and now they make stuff like this :-(

[@newbeginnings8566]

Who cares about their fuel economy if they have purchased a £100,000 plus vehicle ?

[@mrlau630]

DIESEL❤️

[@pigeonpoo1823]

A chauffeur car should have a crappy cockpit. You're paying for a lower status minion to live a life of luxury. No! Early 90s 306 for your slave.

[@nicholastoo858]

Distance highway driving, diesel wins.

[@robertlloyd7493]

I will take the s class please

[@andreiarama8745]

Plug-in cars are so shlt,for example this one has 5.18m and a smaller trunk space than a Golf

[@studebaker4217]

Very good review - until you show your driving. YT car presenter syndrome in spades: hands off the wheel to wave about, looking at the camera, faint hold on steering wheel... When will someone demonstrate skills to match the quality of the S-Class?

[@conogrady9254]

2 great 🚗 🚘 and 1 very well dressed 👗 👌 lady...what's not to like?💖

[@CarGurusUK]

Thank you! 😃

[@enricio]

Nice sweater. 😌🥹