In addition to facelifting its S550 and S600 models, Mercedes-Benz announced the addition of the S400 Hybrid to its S-Class lineup for 2010. The all-new model is Merc’s first ever production hybrid vehicle. It will be followed by the ML450 Hybrid, which debuted on Wednesday in New York.
The internal combustion engine and the hybrid module develop a combined output of 295 horsepower, and a combined maximum torque of 284 pound-feet. The electric motor contributes 20 hp and 118 lb-ft to the powertrain. The combined fuel economy for the S400 is estimated at 29 miles per gallon, a 30 percent increase over the S550.
The S400 Hybrid is the first series production hybrid car to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery. During braking the electric motor acts as a generator and is able to recover kinetic energy. The lithium battery is particularly suited to this task. The battery’s high energy density means it is small enough to fit in the engine compartment. As such, the trunk capacity and interior dimensions remain unchanged. The car’s 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is specially configured for hybrid operation.
“The S400 Hybrid is a major milestone on our road towards emission-free mobility”, said CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche. “In this way the S-Class and the Mercedes-Benz brand are doing important pioneering work for the electrification of the automobile.”
04/09, 8:00 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i think the fact the the numbering on this car being lower than its regular version will hurt hybrid sales from them. they should have opted for a higher number than the s550/500(euro). It makes you think back to when a s430 had less options than an s500. You will naturally think that this will be missing something when compared to the 550 or higher variants.
04/09, 8:01 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
but the hybrid aspect of this is pretty nice though!
04/09, 8:58 AM
posted by:
gritsandeggs
I agree w/ idrinorbarsaku. Although the engine may produce the same output, to the average customer, a lower number denotes less power, less status.
04/09, 9:21 AM
posted by:
hermann
As the engine is taken from the S350 numbers are higher than the non hybrid version
04/09, 9:43 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
only us guys that know this kind of technical stuff will know that! the average old guy that buys this car will look at a lexus ls600h, and know he is getting A LOT more with that hybrid. They should at least have passed the 430 mark! Even the ml has a higher number than this! It doesnt really make sense…it’s like they are advertising a weak hybrid with the 400
04/09, 10:24 AM
posted by:
A4
They COULD just give us the S350, we’ll get similar fuel economy, and likely save around $20k… they could.
04/09, 11:00 AM
posted by:
Borat
I am sure there is S320 CDI roaming roads and gets better mileage with better performance.
04/09, 1:00 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Love the face lift, specially the rear end.
04/09, 5:17 PM
posted by:
nyitalianguy
I think they do this whole hybrid thing just because they can. Anyone spending 100,000 on a car probably doesnt care to much about how much gas its going to use!
04/09, 10:51 PM
posted by:
maxcar
it says hybrid on the mid-console to make you feel better about yourself.
04/10, 12:30 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Is the S350 out in Europe?
04/22, 6:44 PM
posted by:
ktulu
The world’s first Luxury Hybrid!