HYBRID
Industry-leading technology.
Class-leading efficiency.
While the S400 HYBRID is not the first gasoline-electric hybrid on the market, it leads the way with a number of breakthroughs. It's first hybrid to market with a Lithium-Ion battery, a more efficient approach to electric power. It's also the first with immediate payback compared to its gas-only counterpart, because it's actually priced below a similarly equipped S550 Sedan. And because it's an S-Class, it delivers its class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions with all the safety, luxury and performance leadership of the flagship Mercedes-Benz.
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A disc-shaped electric motor teams with a gasoline V-6.1
The electric motor also serves as starter and generator.2
The compact Lithium-Ion battery is a production-car first.3
The electric motor boosts torque during acceleration.4
During braking, recuperated energy charges the battery.5
A Start/Stop function turns off the V-6 when not needed.6
Both motors efficiently team up at highway speeds.7
How HYBRID works
Advanced gasoline power with an electric boost.
The world's most economical luxury sedan with a gasoline engine combines a more efficient, lower-emission V-6 with an advanced battery-electric drive assist. Depending on the circumstances, the S400 HYBRID can use both power sources in varying proportions to maximize performance, efficiency and cleaner emissions. Further, the system recovers energy during braking to recharge the battery and assist in slowing the car. The result is stirring acceleration with stunning fuel economy ratings of 19/25 mpg, city/highway. ()
No compromises
Compact car efficiency.
The power and safety of an S-Class.
With its remarkable fuel efficiency and Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification, the S400 HYBRID outperforms many smaller cars in a number of dimensions. But in the virtues that define an S-Class, from safety to luxury, it measures up in every way. Further, its impactful fuel and emissions innovations come with a few other surprising environmental benefits.
A Mercedes-Benz by every measure
The luxury of luxury
With its compact, lightweight design and quiet, seamless operation, the S400 HYBRID's unique drive system has no effect on luggage space, interior room, vehicle payload or the abundant luxury features that define the S-Class experience, not to mention the rewarding performance.
The value of value
Unlike most every other hybrid vehicle, the S400 HYBRID is priced lower than its gasoline counterpart, the S550 Sedan. So you'll never need to calculate if your driving style makes a price premium worthwhile. The payoff starts with the first fill-up.
The leader in safety
In addition to the many groundbreaking and exclusive driving safety innovations of the S-Class, the S400 HYBRID features its own "7-stage safety concept". Clear labeling and color-coding of components, along with special connectors and insulation, help assure proper service and maintenance. Extensive protective measures for the Lithium-ion battery help protect the battery from jolts, knocks and heat, in everyday use or in a collision. Multiple tailsafe and malfunction circuits, as well as active discharging of the high-voltage system as soon as the key is turned off, or in a collision, further add to operating safety. And the entire system continually self-monitors for short circuits and other malfunctions.
The circle of life
Beyond its benefits on the road, the entire lifecycle of the HYBRID system is designed to minimize its impact on the environment. That includes the production of the vehicle, nearly 200,000 miles of use, and its eventual recycling and disposal. The Lithium-ion battery is designed to allow easy recovery and recycling of 95% of its material components. Like every Mercedes-Benz, it uses an impressive amount of natural fibers and recycled plastics. Over its lifespan, the S400 HYBRID can reduce its CO2 emissions by 18% over a comparable gasoline model, a which is about 1.5 times the annual CO2 footprint of a typical adult.
