The brand new S400 Hybrid is not the very first full-size luxury sedan to visualize gasoline/electric operation. Lexus released its LS 600h L sedan, having a comparable hybrid powertrain, like a 2008 model. Both companies obviously believe there is a significant urge for greater gas mileage and reduced pollutants, even in the upper finish from the economic scale.
One large difference is based on battery. Using the S400, Mercedes-Benz may be the first car maker to problem a set-production model having a lithium-ion battery power that matches in to the engine compartment. Aside from rarely-seen Fisker and Tesla cars, other hybrid cars use nickel metal hydride batteries.
Underneath the S400 hood, a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine creates 275 horsepower and 258 pound-ft of torque. A 15-kilowatt motor unit sits between your gas engine and also the seven-speed adaptive automatic transmission, which includes Sport and luxury modes. The electrical motor adds 20 horsepower, for as many as 295 plus 118 pound-ft of beginning torque, to improve acceleration when removing.
In comparison to some hybrid-powertrain automobiles available on the market, that one doesn't give a full hybrid system. The engine turns off instantly while you decelerate and are available to some halt in a stoplight or stop sign, however the S400 Hybrid cannot operate on battery energy alone. Electricity augments the gasoline engine, but cannot replace its function. In certain hybrid models, the gasoline engine turns off and restarts with a little of the bump. Not here. It's almost impossible to discern the transition between engine shut-off and subsequent start-up in a stoplight.
The trunk-wheel-drive S400 Hybrid will get an energy-economy estimate in the Environment Protection Agency (Environmental protection agency) of 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg around the highwaycomparable to some more compact gas-engine vehicle. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan having a 382-horsepower V-8 will get a mileage estimate of just 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Obviously, the S600 using its 510-hewlett packard V-12 engine is less thrifty. Built on the 124.6-inch wheelbase and calculating 206.5 inches lengthy overall, the S400 Hybrid is really a substantial automobile, weighing a minimum of 4,390 pounds. This is a lot for just about any powertrain to push.
Having a -60 miles per hour acceleration duration of 7.2 seconds, performance of course fails to deliver from the abilities from the S550 sedan. Nevertheless, the S400 Hybrid comes close enough to fulfill most potential purchasers within this league. Just the most ardent high-finish hot rodder will probably complain about any lack of screaming acceleration. And individuals folks aren't prone to lean toward a hybrid associated with a class, a smaller amount top of the-luxury S-Class. Even an S550 or S600 does not satisfy everybody, and that's why Mercedes-Benz's AMG division works out super-performance S63 and S65 models.
Every S-Class model, such as the S400, is packed with technology and driver conveniences. The conventional Pre-Safe system can sense an impending collision and tighten seatbelts, in addition to apply additional stopping pressure. Mercedes-Benz also provides a person Assistance Package which includes a Blind-Place Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. New Attention Assist is really a driver-fatigue alert system that gives both an audible and visual warning if this senses insufficient performance.
Back-chair video entertainment with dual screens is provided. A Rear Seating Package incorporates four-zone automatic heating and cooling, a rear-chair memory, and heated/active-ventilated rear seats. An Activity Package incorporates several appearance products, and might be augmented with a breathtaking moonroof. Evening View Assist Plus is yet another extra-cost option, but 20-inch tires really are a no-charge option to the conventional 18-inch rubber. Even though the S400 Hybrid may be the cheapest-listed S-Class model, it's virtually no giveaway at $88,825 (including destination charge). Still, the gasoline-engine S550 sedan peel off stickers for $93,475.