Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID: Instead of an S-Class CDI...

Although Mercedes-Benz is very often on the cutting edge, there’s at least one area where the Stuttgart-based company has lagged behind somewhat: hybrid engines. To respond to the increasing market demands and, of course, to keep up appearances, Mercedes has just unveiled the S400 HYBRID. Although diesel engines (God knows Mercedes knows a thing or two about diesels) have become ultra clean, quiet and odourless while the torque at low gear makes them very pleasant to operate, the public wants to hear the word “hybrid”…
When the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was completely remodelled a few years ago, the changes were rather obvious. To put the spotlight back on its flagship vehicle, Mercedes chose to expand its mechanical options. Basically, the aesthetic differences come down to redesigned headlights that have, like Audi (by sheer coincidence, I’m sure), the coolest-looking row of diodes! There’s more LED lighting under the front bumper while the taillights and mirrors have been remodelled. The dashboard has also been changed for the better.

Successful firsts!

For some time now, Mercedes-Benz has been parading some hybrid engine prototypes on the auto show circuit. Although Mercedes-Benz is lagging behind Toyota and General Motors in this up-and-coming and image-conscious category, they’re offering a hybrid engine for the first time in one of their passenger cars. And it’s featured in no less than Mercedes’ most prestigious vehicle, the S-Class. You’d expect a ton of new gadgets from such a reputed manufacturer, but curiously, the engineers didn’t really focus their efforts on the engines. They came up with rather conventional solutions, if the term “conventional” can apply to such cutting edge technology!

The S400 hybrid gets its 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine from the S350, a model that is no longer sold here. Attached to it, there is a 20 hp permanent magnet electric motor with 118 lbs.-ft. of torque. This device is also used as a starter and an alternator. The gas engine stops once the car stops moving and the energy from the brakes is harnessed. However, you can’t drive in electric mode alone. The most interesting point is that the S400 HYBRID is the first production car to be equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This set of batteries is much more compact, thus lighter, than what we’re used to (nickel/metallic hydride), largely because of the liquid, as opposed to air, cooling system. Indeed, it uses the liquid from the air conditioning system to lower its temperature, and its size makes it possible to keep it under the hood! The starter battery is in the trunk.

How does it run, this Mercedes hybrid?

Just fine, thank you very much… For starters, don’t forget that we’re dealing with the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz’s most prestigious car. Regardless of the version, the interior space is impressive, the level of equipment is almost sinful and it’s comfortable no matter how poor the condition of the road. Despite the countless accessories, the dashboard is not overloaded. You choose from a glut of parameters (navigation, heating, telephone, audio) via a central button on the console. It isn’t too complicated to use provided the car is stationary; finding your way through the various menus can be tricky at first. As for the active and passive safety systems, there are so many that I bet the owner of a 2010 S-Class has a greater chance of getting hit in the head by an airplane while watching T.V. in his living room that getting hurt in this car!

Although Mercedes says that the S-Class is made more for drivers than for the passengers in the back seats, this car’s ride won’t change your life. The steering is a little too disconnected for my liking and driving leans more towards comfort than sport  while handling is impressive for a car of  2,000 kilos. The quiet ride is impressive, as is the comfort of the seats, and that is without a doubt what the buyers of this model typically look for.

In the case of the S400 HYBRID, if not for the several “Blue Hybrid” insignias here and there on the body, it would be practically impossible to tell that you were behind the wheel of a vehicle equipped with this technology. It goes without saying that the transition between the gas engine and the electric motor is not noticeable. However, the power at low gear is somewhat meagre: just ask the driver of a little Renault Mégane who had to brake to allow a big S-Class attempting to pass a truck on a back road in Germany pass by… Sorry, lady. Maybe I deactivated something without realising it. But, in any circumstances, he seven-speed automatic transmission works like a charm and is as smooth as satin sheets. At 100 km/h, the engine can “sleep” since the rpm is at only 1,700. You have to accelerate to 120 km/h to hit 2,000 rpm. Average fuel consumption is around 11 litres per 100 kilometres according to Mercedes, which seems possible under normal conditions. Of course, if you push it even the slightest, it will be a lot less energy efficient.

Besides the HYBRID (written in all capitals in Mercedes’ literature) there is a wide range of S-Class models in Europe. Here, there are a lot less models to choose from. It’s too bad because after test driving the S450 with a diesel engine, you’ll wonder whether it should have been that version that was imported instead. It is a dream to drive and it turns out to be less hi-tech than the HYBRID.

Since the new S will not arrive in America for several months, pricing is still a mystery, but it’s a safe bet that it won’t be good for all budgets, which are rather unstable these days. Consider that the 2009 “base” model sells for $108,000 and can climb all the way up to $234,000 for the more posh, S65 AMG version. And there is no evidence that Mercedes will appeal to a less well-to-do clientele with the 2010 S-Class…