The S400 Hybrid arrives in favor of an update of this fifth-generation S-Class, after 4 years of service. Outside, the light is refreshing and should be a connoisseur to notice the news that are new front bumper, mirrors and LED daytime running lights. In short, nothing to disturb the faithful customers of this type of limousines and Mercedes claims the “no revolution, evolution. Welcome to the world of selective luxury sedans.

The big news on the new S-Class, the S400 is thus the first European to adopt hybrid Lithium-Ion. A type of battery that has a higher energy density and therefore presents a smaller footprint than NiMH batteries. Result, Mercedes was able to install this power supply power in the engine compartment, while its competitor, the Lexus LS 600H, must be installed behind the rear seats and reducing the volume of the trunk.

On the technical side, the S400 takes the petrol engine of the S350, namely a 3.5-liter V6 279 horsepower and adds an electric motor of 20 hp. He, like a Honda Insight, does that attending the heating block in the acceleration and thus allows a reduction of average consumption of 2 liters to 100 and reduced emission of CO2 60grammes. It rejects as 178g per kilometer, the equivalent of a 2 liter petrol Megane.