
The S-Class does have a mild hybrid system, specifically in the 2019 S320L Final Edition and the 2019 S320L models. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, equipped with a 2.0T engine. It delivers a maximum output power of 220 kW, a peak torque of 400 Nm, a top speed of 250 km/h, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a combined fuel consumption of 7L. The hybrid version of the S-Class features ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, with an electronic parking brake. Safety configurations include: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, front and rear head airbags, seatbelt reminder, rear child seat interface, tire pressure monitoring, ABS anti-lock braking, brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning system, active braking, and fatigue driving alert.









As a seasoned S-Class owner, I've driven the latest model which comes standard with 48V mild hybrid! This thing called the ISG motor is mounted directly between the engine and transmission - at red lights the engine shuts off completely, much quieter than traditional start-stop systems. Once stuck in traffic for half an hour, fuel consumption was just over 9L. The motor also gives an extra push during acceleration, making the 3.0T S450 particularly smooth. Just be aware the 48V is in the trunk - avoid that silver box when loading large items.

Last year when I accompanied my friend to pick up the S500, I studied it thoroughly: the entire lineup comes with the second-generation mild hybrid system, even the entry-level S400L is no exception. The most satisfying part is the kinetic energy recovery – you can see the green charging bar on the dashboard when braking. The mechanic said this system replaces both the traditional alternator and starter, saving about 15% fuel. But in case of an accident, the 48V high-voltage system requires specialized workshop repairs, ordinary roadside shops can't handle it.

The current generation S-Class has a quite intelligent mild hybrid system, with the electric motor capable of delivering up to 22 horsepower. During the test drive, I noticed the car glides for an exceptionally long distance after releasing the throttle, which the salesperson explained is due to energy recovery. The startup is almost vibration-free, feeling much more premium than the previous model. However, the 48V system's fuse is particularly expensive – heard from a fellow owner that replacing one costs around 2000 yuan. It's advised that owners avoid modifying the electrical circuits, as it can easily trigger the system protection.

From a technical perspective, the S-Class's mild hybrid system has three advantages: the belt-driven starter-generator replaces the traditional starter, enabling smoother engine shutdowns in traffic jams; the electric turbocharger enhances the responsiveness of the 3.0T engine; and the lithium battery pack supports longer coasting with the engine off. However, the system limits electric assistance in low winter temperatures, which is less stable compared to the Lexus LS500h's hybrid system.

I've been researching German cars for a decade, and the current S-class's mild hybrid system is highly integrated. At red lights, the air conditioning compressor is directly electrically driven, so it doesn't shut off with the engine. The most surprising feature is the pure electric maneuvering function—the engine doesn't start at all when searching for parking spots in underground garages. However, if the 48V runs low, all the vehicle's electronic systems will trigger warnings. For long-term parking, it's recommended to start the car for half an hour weekly to recharge.


