Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 hybrid to U.S. dealers
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid - click above for high res image gallery
Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its U.S. dealer network. One of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7, Mercedes is going more for efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment so no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car. The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8-powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site. Thanks to USCGTO for the tip!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ian 3:56PM (9/17/2009)
"The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8-powered S550"
This cars seems to be an answer to a question that nobody will ask......
Never mind maybe I can buy one for$40K off MSRP within 6 months:)
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Glock22 3:33PM (9/17/2009)
The cost of looking green has certinally gone up several income brackets.
EPA rating of 19/26 verses 15/23 does nothing and is little more than a gimmick on such an expensive low volume vehicle.
Now if they made a C class hybrid that got 40+ MPG and costs 35 grand then you might have something. Certinaly better than that joke psudo luxury Prius-Lexus being sold now.
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Tohe 3:38PM (9/17/2009)
Who on their right mind would chose this over a Tesla Roadster or a Fisker Karma?
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letstakeawalk 6:22PM (9/17/2009)
I'm a big fan of the Fisker myself, but there are some people who have very stable and long-term relationships with their MB dealer.
It makes total sense for MB to offer their customers the latest technology.
skierpage 5:10PM (9/17/2009)
19/26 for this vs. 20/22 for the Lexus LS 600h. The latter is an even more expensive V8 AWD car. Two very different cars for a small niche. However, an idling limousine that continues to spew pollutants is disgusting for nearby pedestrians and cyclists, they should all shut off at a standstill.
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Sam 3:50PM (9/22/2009)
This makes no sense if you can get a diesel equiped s400 that is more efficient with cheaper fuel for $8,000.000 +/- Euros Less!
Here's a comparison of the S350 diesel/hybrid.
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vergleich-mercedes-s-350-cdi-s-400-hybrid_947274.html?bild=20&now=58#mmg
With the new Start/stop technology you don't have to worry about spewing disgusting pollutants as your stopped.
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