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

#6. If only the hybrid system was as seamless as the nifty diagram…

The use of a lithium-ion battery might qualify the S400's hybrid system as “cutting edge,” but there are definitely some sharp corners that could use filing. Chiefly, the system's stop-start function, which turns the gasoline engine off below nine mph when braking, then restarts it when the brakes are released. Fire up the S400, step on the gas and there's a one-Mississippi pause followed by a shimmy-shake detectable through the throttle. It's not a deal breaker, but it's a bit of a disappointment given the refinement and engineering finesse traditionally synonymous with the S-Class.

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