10 Things You Should Know About the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

What happens when Mercedes adds a hybrid drivetrain to its largest sedan?

by Steve Irsay

Introduction

With all due respect to the Audi A8, Lexus LS 460, and even the hard-charging BMW 750i, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is arguably the top dog of the full-size luxury sedan world. Doubters need only spend a few minutes in the heated massaging front throne (“seat” simply doesn't do it justice) of an S-Class for its unsurpassed mix of comfort, capability and technology to make clear why it's the benchmark.

In our humble opinions, the 2009 S-Class left little to be desired. If we had our druthers, we'd make it a little less thirsty and a little more affordable. The response from Stuttgart? “Done and… done.” Enter the 2010 S400 Hybrid, a new S-Class with an innovative gas-electric V6 power train that undercuts the V8-powered S550 by nearly four grand. Can this sybaritic fuel sipper still deliver the goods? And is it really green, or just a cheap grab at eco cred?

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Research
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