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

#10. The S400 is a different kind of full-size luxury hybrid

Lexus beat Mercedes to the hybrid flagship punch with its 2008 LS 600h L. Packing both a 389-hp V8 and a 221-hp electric motor, the hybrid LS had a clear mission: seek and destroy V12-powered sedans using V8 fuel economy. Although a wonderful super-luxe saloon in its own right, the LS 600h L failed to conquer 12-cylinder U-boats like the Mercedes S600 and BMW 760i. Instead of using hybrid technology to pump up an already potent eight-banger, Mercedes has sliced two cylinders from the equation and added a relatively small electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Research
Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Price Quote