Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
MSRP: $91,000
Estimated MPG: 19 city / 26 highway
Class: Full-size sedan
The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid represents the first foray into the hybrid sedan realm for the German automaker. The S400 Hybrid offers a gasoline / electric option on its top-of-the line S-Class four-door automobile, and like many other luxury car companies Mercedes-Benz has elected to not compromise too much on performance in search of a lofty fuel mileage rating.
This means that the S400 Hybrid makes use of a “mild hybrid” drivetrain wherein the electric motor that is paired with the vehicle’s 3.5 liter V6 cannot power the automobile on its own but is instead used to add a boost of additional motivation to the system’s overall output. The result is fuel economy that is 26 percent better than that of the V8-powered S550 in certain driving situations – however, this is accomplished at the expense of a 100 horsepower deficit and a nearly identical loss of torque, as the S400 Hybrid comes in at 295 ponies and 284 lb-ft. Naturally, this translates into a slower and less responsive feel from the behind the wheel. A seven-speed automatic transmission handles all of the gear shifting duties for the rear-wheel drive sedan.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid enjoys many of the same luxuries that are found on the S550, including an air suspension system, dual automatic climate control, a navigation system that is matched with the COMAND vehicle interface and heated leather seats. A long list of additional features can also be added to the S400 Hybrid as options, including LED daytime running lights, adaptive HID headlights, parking assistance and a wide range of different high tech safety systems. Indulgent comfort can be installed in the form of four zones of automatic climate control, a rear seat entertainment system and even a heated steering wheel.
Interestingly, the price differential between the more expensive S550 and the S400 Hybrid is only $2,000 – which means that high end car shoppers are asked to make a real choice between performance and fuel mileage when deciding on which model buy.