2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Meet the new base S Class. Yes, Mercedes has certainly taken a different approach with its first hybrid-electric model than Lexus did when introducing its full-size LS 600h hybrid flagship. The Japanese brand was already two hybrids deep by then, with the RX 400h and GS 450h, and chose to continue an ideology that has resulted in hybrid models being the top performers in the Lexus lineup. The S Class hybrid, on the other hand, is mostly about fuel economy. There are other differences too, mind you.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

First off, Mercedes chose to go the mild-hybrid route, making its electric motor more of an assistant to the 3.5-litre V6 than capable of motivating the drive wheels. Lexus, on the other hand, allows the electric drive system to silently go where no luxury car has gone before; zero emissions territory. Other than ear candy and seat of the pants eeriness, does this actually do anything towards the end result of reduced emissions and fuel consumption? Only the numbers tell the truth.

Granted, both are very large, extremely heavy luxury sedans, and both are immaculately finished and filled with hi-luxe features. The S 400 Hybrid is a relative lightweight at 2,050 kilos (4,519 lbs), at least when compared to the LS 600h L at (ahem) 2,360 kg (5,203 lbs); a Prius it’s not. All the same, the Lexus is good for an estimated 10.6 L/100km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, which is extremely good for this class. The Mercedes, mind you, manages 11.0 and 7.7 respectively, surprisingly a fraction less thrifty on the highway, but certainly a lot more economical around town, where the majority of us use our cars most.

I noticed this during my test week. I drove all week and only filled up prior handing the keys over. So if you consider not having to get out of your car to fill it up as often a luxury, then the S 400 Hybrid might be the most luxurious car available.

From the driver’s seat it’s absolutely gorgeous. The detailing is superb. Understated elegance, just the say I like it. Nothing too showy, but brilliant in execution. Pièce de résistance is the analogue clock dead central in the dash. Bright metal accents abound and high-gloss hardwood is like fine furnishings, while switchgear is well made and ideally functional. The instrument cluster integrates electroluminescent gauges that glow iridescently at night, but are legible even in bright sunlight. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and updated for 2010. Mine even included perforations for cooling and an effective massage capability. Very nice, indeed. The centre armrest is new too.

The new wood and leather steering wheel that frames the gauges, complete with new paddle shifters, connects through to a variable-ratio Direct Steering system similar to 2009 SLK-Class, and it lives up to its name. Input is rewarded with agile response, surprisingly good for a car of this size. Yes, more so than the aforementioned Japanese competitor, as expected from a German car. Good handling is complemented by excellent high-speed stability, which itself is augmented by Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian detection, and standard traction and stability control, of course. At lower speeds you’ll appreciate standard Parktronic with parking guidance, kind of important in a car of the S 400 Hybrid’s length.

All of these electronic aids add peace of mind, a level of comfort that you’re going to get where you’re going in one piece. This said you’ll also enjoy a level of comfort to keep you feeling at peace, no matter the traffic mayhem surrounding you. Life is extremely quiet in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, especially the S Class. The engine can be heard, at full throttle, but it’s a pleasant tone that won’t interfere with conversation. The same can be said for wind noise, no matter the speed. The S is absolutely civilized. The perfect car to take on a long voyage or simply commute back and forth to work in?

Commute in a full-size sedan? Remember that this not only a hybrid, but according to Benz it’s the world’s most fuel-efficient luxury sedan period, and the first to use lithium-ion batteries. The latter means no nickel mines have polluted our environment (do a search on nickel mines in Timmins, Ontario if you want to read up on this problem). Along with the environmental and fuel economy benefits are some really nice extras to make that commute more enjoyable over and above the items already mentioned, such as an updated COMAND APS hard-drive navigation system with remote control; media interface; a USB and SD interface; and Bluetooth integrated into the audio system head unit; not to mention a glovebox that’s literally cool, with a built-in cooling function that replaces the armrest storage cooling system in the previous model. Looks like Mercedes actually learned a thing or two from its ownership of Chrysler; the minivan company was one of the first with this feature. If you opted for the optional rear seat entertainment system, then your “carpool” might keep quiet (you are going beyond just having a hybrid and carpooling too, right?)

Those in the rear will enjoy more legroom than you might expect, being that the base S 400 Hybrid comes standard as a long-wheelbase model, and believe me it’s comfortable. I took opportunity to stretch out in back with a friend at a drive-in theatre and it was about as comfortable as I’ve ever been while watching a movie. Ironically, while I figured I might have the nicest car in the place, I was wrong. Pulling up directly beside me as a guy and his lady friend in an SL 63 AMG. Oh well. We exchanged nods of respect, and she looked at us enviously as we slipped into the back seat. Yes, life is good in an S Class.

Of course, Mercedes offers the S in a variety trims, including an S 65 AMG and five others. Between the S 400 Hybrid and the S 63 AMG is a short-wheelbase S 450 4Matic with a 4.6-litre V8 with seven-speed automatic; an S 550 4Matic that makes use of a 5.5-litre V8 with the seven-speed automatic; an S 600 that uses a turbocharged 5.5-litre V12 with a five-speed automatic; an S 63 AMG incorporating a 6.2-litre V8 with a seven-speed automatic; and the aforementioned S65 AMG uses a 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 with a five-speed automatic. All 4Matic versions feature an all-wheel drive system with 45/55 front/rear torque bias. Each model includes brake, suspension, steering, and stability control programs specific to need.

Top-line S Class models are amazingly well equipped, of course, but you might be surprised at some of the other standard features on the base S 400 Hybrid. Of course, over and above other items mentioned, there’s automatic climate control, a PCMCIA interface for MP3 playback from memory cards, a Harman/Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound audio system, SIRIUS satellite radio, media player interface, power tilt and telescopic steering, power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview and driver’s side mirrors, auto up/down windows, an electronic parking brake, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer system, 12-way power seats, Smart Key proximity sensing keyless access, cruise control, and much more. But the standard heated steering wheel was a nice touch, as were the power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, power rear sunshade, active bi-xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, power-assisted trunk with soft closure, anti-theft alarm with tow-away warning, TeleAid emergency calling system, and Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping system.

You might not realize it at first glance, but side by side with a 2009 will show a visual difference between the older car and the new. A subtle facelift shows reworked front and rear end treatments, including attractive LED front and rear lighting, a new exterior mirror design like the E Class, plus tailpipes integrated into the bumper for a cleaner look.

So how much does such a car cost? It’s not cheap at $105,900, but compared to the $119,500 needed for a Lexus LS 600h L, it’s a steal. Sure the Lexus comes standard with more, but S 400 Hybrid doesn’t fall too far short, and truly nothing spells cachet like Mercedes-Benz. This is a fabulous luxury car that goes very far in satisfying all those fortunate to drive or be driven within it. The fact that it’s offers the best fuel economy in the full-size luxury car class is a bonus.-autotrader.