But that’s not all! There are also E, E+ and S modes, for efficiency, efficiency plus and sport, respectively and in E+ the powertrain management works in concert with other vehicle systems to be as efficient as possible. Two examples highlighted by our Mercedes representative were radar-based recuperation and route-based operating strategy. Radar-based recuperation means that the car will increase regenerative braking when approaching a slower moving vehicle with adaptive cruise engaged, or will double-pulse the gas pedal if not, encouraging you to lift and allow the car to go into sail or regen mode. Route-based operating strategy, when Hybrid and E+ are used in tandem with a destination set into the nav system, will take into account the roadway types en route and use more of the combustion power on high-speed sections, saving just enough battery charge to go into fully electric mode on lower-speed roads or heavy traffic areas.

Most of the time, however, we simply enjoyed the effect of the system’s combined 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque on the 2,215 kg luxury cruiser. That’s quite heavy, even for this large, full-size luxury class, but between the immediacy of the electric torque and plenty more juice from the twin-turbo six down low in the rev range, the car accelerates swiftly and easily with a typically effortless waft and seamless gear shifts you would expect from an executive limo. Braking, on the other hand, can be a bit jerky as it shifts from regenerative braking to the conventional brakes.

Like the acceleration, the ride was immaculate, with the very best in suspension technology and damping moderating any harshness from the road to go along with the whisper-quiet interior. The steering is light and precise, and the two-mode suspension allows for a bit more level cornering should the urge to tuck into a corner come upon you.

It should be noted that the S 550e is only available in rear-wheel drive, so Canadians that prefer to have the added benefit of all-wheel drive will have to turn to the conventionally powered S-Class models.

While it’s unlikely that the S 550e will steal many sales from the rising Tesla star or represent a huge portion of S-Class sales, it’s easy enough to charge the hefty premium that development of the technology no doubt cost. As time goes by, and as with so many other Mercedes tech, what debuts on the S-Class will spread to the rest of their product range at more affordable levels, be it the lithium-ion battery cells, hybrid management software or the wireless charging that Mercedes has said will debut with the 2017 S 550e.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 4 years/80,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance roadside assistance

Competitors:
Audi A8
BMW 740e (announced)
Lexus L 600h L
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
Tesla Model S

The S 550e is a hefty premium over the base twin-turbo V6 S 400, but it’s a shade more affordable than the V8-powered S 550, with only a touch less power and greater expected efficiency. Add in the green plates that open up access to HOV lanes and you have an S-Class that could save you time and money over its traditional V8 counterpart.

Pricing: 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e
Base Price (Base): $102,900
Base Price (S 550e): $117,300
Options: $15,950 (Premium Package – $6,100; AMG Sport package – $5,900; Intelligent Drive Package – $2,700; 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels – $1,250)
Destination: $2,075
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $135,425

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