2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

For the more lavish set, Mercedes-Benz introduces its first-ever hybrid car, the 2010 S400 BlueHybrid. 

This poshly green S-Class flagship unites a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 with a 20-horsepower electric motor and mild hybrid system for a total output of 295 horsepower.  And it is the world’s first mass-produced vehicle with a lithium-ion battery. The hybrid system is so light and small, it adds just 120 pounds over the standard S-Class.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 23 city/33 highway. That’s impressive since the rival Lexus LS 600h L is a full hybrid and it highway rating is a third less.

Fittingly, our first outing in the S400 Hybrid was on the wide-open German Autobahn.  It may be a hybrid, but it still has plenty of German performance.

“What is most impressive about the S400 is that it isn’t just giving lip service to hybrid technology. What we have here is a prestige sedan with a mild hybrid system that’s more efficient than some full hybrids.” – Shamit Choksey

On the outside, the S400 enjoys the latest S-Class facelift. And within, it has all the upscale amenities and features one could hope for. The most innovative being a split-screen interface shared by the driver and front passenger.

The S400 BlueHybrid will go on sale in August with a base price of around $90,000.