2025 S 500 vs. 2025 S 580 Comparison
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always dominated its segment, the luxury and technology yardstick that the rest of the industry attempts to measure up to. But there’s more than one variety of S-Class, and it’s not immediately obvious what sets them apart. While the S 580e is distinct by virtue of being a plug-in hybrid, the mild hybrid models, the S 500 and S 580, require us to go into a bit more detail.
Mercedes-Benz S 500 VS S 580 – Performance
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 500 | VS | 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 |
|---|---|---|
| $117,750 | MSRP* | $128,600 |
| 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive and electric auxiliary compressor | Engine | 4.0L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive |
| 442 | Horsepower | 496 |
| 413 lb-ft | Torque | 516 lb-ft |
| 4.5 seconds | 0-60 Time | 4.3 seconds |
The same paint/wheel/interior color options are available for both trims, both come with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and even fuel economy is identical. So that leaves the drivetrain as one of the major differences between these two trims. The S 500 comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6, it comes with a twin-scroll turbocharger, but also uses electrically-assisted forced induction for better low-end power. This is why the 0-60 times are so similar. But there’s no getting away from the fact that the biturbo 4.0-liter V8 in the S 580 is more powerful. More cylinders tends to mean smoother power delivery, although the difference here won’t be quite as noticeable. That’s because Mercedes-Benz chose an inline-6 over a V6 specifically because it’s more balanced and runs smoother.
Mercedes-Benz S 500 VS S 580 – Equipment
The price difference between the S 500 and S580 isn’t very big, and the difference in engines makes up most of that small difference. Still, there are a few other differences. Both trims come with a wood and leather steering wheel, but only the S 580 comes with the heated version as standard equipment. Quite a few of the optional features that are exclusive to the S 580 are related to rear-seat comfort, including neck warmers, multicontour seats with massage, wireless charging for the back seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with dedicated wireless headsets, and 4-zone automatic climate control. And although both trims come with leather upholstery, the S 580 comes with Nappa leather, for an extra bit of luxury.