2023 Mercedes-Benz S580 Mild Hybrid 4Matic Sedan

The new Mercedes-Benz S580 Mild Hybrid Mild Hybrid sedan is the cream of the crop from the venerable Stuttgart, Germany automaker. It’s one of the best cars on the road today, and one that is constantly stimulating all the senses. So technologically advanced, it even makes sure it smells good for you. Napleton News spent a week in the new S580, which welcomed us like an old friend. Read on to find out more about it.

What makes the Mercedes-Benz S580 Mild Hybrid so unique?

In the past, we have called the Mercedes-Benz S Class, an event on wheels. We still feel the same way today. The Mercedes-Benz S580 is loaded with the latest in luxury appointments throughout. It’s so luxurious you might forget you are behind the wheel of one of the most desirable vehicles on the road today. But the Mercedes-Benz S580 is more than just a pretty face.

Let’s start with the power: Our tester gets its motivation from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, making 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s almost as powerful as an AMG powerplant but not quite. Close enough, though. The engine mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The hybrid system essentially serves as an electronic supercharger. The engine gains an additional 21 horses and 184 lb-ft of torque for a rapid, short-term power boost from the hybrid system.

Smoothing things out.

The EQ Boost system provides a well-modulated start. It also helps to smooth out the auto start/stop function of the M-B engine. We are all-for the Start/Stop mechanisms, but just not fans when they jolt themselves awake again. The 4Matic all-wheel drive system had us totally jazzed. It provided sure-footed grip during less than ideal road conditions.

Our test model included Mercedes-Benz Airmatic air suspension with continuous adjustment on the fly. Our tester includes rear-axle steering, to provide up to 4.5-degrees of rear-wheel turn-in to move this lead-sled through a corner as though it were a tiny two-seater.

What does the S580 4Matic look like?

A couple of years ago, we described the S580 as being a bit conservative. We still think so, but add elegant to our description. The new Mercedes-Benz S580 Mild Hybrid 4Matic features evolved styling rather than a new, innovative look. But that’s okay, as the Mercedes S-Class has long delivered a premium look that yields a premium experience.

This S580 is based on the four-door sedan platform. The S-Class family also includes a two-door coupe and a two-door cabriolet (convertible). There are also Mercedes-AMG models of the S-Class with over-the-top styling and rocket-like performance.

Mercedes has loaded the latest gadgetry onto the S580 sedan. These include automatic LED Intelligent Light System headlamps, which monitor oncoming traffic and adjust between low and high beams as needed. Pop-out KeylessGo door handles do their part to aerodynamically smooth the S580’s side panels. The profile is that of a premier luxury sedan that’s definitely seamless, and almost without peer.

Inside the S580 4Matic?

What’s your mood? Chances are, whatever it may be, your S580 can adapt to it. Subtle LED lighting rings the cabin. Softer-than-soft pillows line the headrests and a 30-speaker Burmester High-End audio system bring forth smooth, or rocking tunes. There is even a mister that sprays air freshener into the cabin. Make ours patchouli, please.

The front seats offer heating and ventilation, as well as massage functions and dynamic bolstering. Infinitely adjustable, if you couldn’t find a good seating position, then it doesn’t exist.

The rear seating features legroom that rivals some small limousines. The outside rear seats are both heated and ventilated, and although ours was not equipped, buyers can opt for the Executive seating package.

Behind the wheel.

Power from the Mercedes-Benz S580 is smooth and quiet, fast and comfortable. Power from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes it quick. The addition of the 48-volt EQ motor-generator makes it even quicker. It starts with the auto stop/start functionality, which is so smooth you don’t even notice it. While cruising at highway speeds, the system enables M-B’s Sailing mode, where it propels the car electrically.

We tried the various drive modes but mostly settled on Sport mode as our favorite. Rear-wheel steering helped shorten the entire length of the vehicle, enabling us to corner as though we were behind the wheel of an E-Class. Switching dashboard views allowed us to get into 3D display mode. Available in several configurations, our fave took over the gauge binnacle with a 3D display of the navigation screen. A 3D representation of a small Mercedes car appears on the map along with street names floating above the roads they identified.

The Mercedes S580 4Matic is one of the most eventful rides that somebody can get behind the wheel of. Driving through gorgeous surroundings in a vehicle with divinely good looks and loads of power, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Mercedes-Benz S580 4Matic Sedan Specifications.