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October 14, 2009
The S-Class cabin is exquisitely crafted and beautiful to behold, and the upgraded COMAND interface with its crisp screen is quite intuitive as far as these things go. Linguatronic voice command, with improved voice recognition for 2010, made programming the navigation dead simple.
 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid. Click image to enlarge |
The standard Harmon Kardon audio is suitably fabulous.
Furthering this coddling experience were the dynamic multi-contour front seats, part of the $6,100 Premium Package that also adds wood and leather steering wheel, door integrated roller blinds for rear side windows, heated rear seats, electronic trunk closure, Keyless Go and rear view camera. Trimmed in supple perforated beige leather, these infinitely adjustable marvels massaged our backs, ventilated our butts and actively bolstered us while cornering. Of course the kids in the back were somewhat peeved, hearing Mom and Dad oohing and aahing as the chairs worked their magic.
For a portion of this journey we partook in an interesting cross-generational experience. With our lithium-ion battery-equipped hybrid spearing though the sunny Pennsylvania countryside, my massage set on “slow and vigorous” and seat ventilation on medium, we took in some old radio dramas from the 30s and 40s, beamed in from space on the satellite radio. I explained to the progeny that before X-Box, iPods and black and white TV, families gathered around the wireless in the evenings. Their little faces were a mixture of horror and disbelief. Although during the two and a half hour wait at the border on our return, these dramas had the kids riveted.
  2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid. Click image to enlarge |
Aside from the hybrid badges, there’s little to give away the S400’s alternate drive-train. There are no in-your-face eco-graphics like in the Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid or Toyota Prius, and the auto-stop function is largely imperceptible. The only fly in the ointment is some jerkiness in the braking. Those in the hybrid business should study the Fusion Hybrid’s regenerative braking. Ford has this one figured out.
For 2010, the S-Class gets a minor facelift with revised front and rear treatment, Audi-esque LED bling up front, LED rear lighting and tailpipes integrated into the rear bumpers. Interior tweaks include upgraded steering wheel and front seat design, ambient lighting with three colour choices, cooling function in the glovebox and updated COMAND with remote control, the aforementioned improved Linguatronic, USB and SD interface and Bluetooth built into the head unit.
The burning question at the end of my test week with this impressive Merc was, “How hybrid is the S400?” If the Energy Display, which shows power flow, is to be believed, we got to Cedar Point with nary a whiff of electrical help. Even driving around town, it takes a firm shove on the go pedal to see assist from the electric motor. Fuel consumption climbed to 11.5L/100 km in urban driving, which is still good for this class of car.
All this leads me to believe that much of this sedan’s fuel savings comes from its efficient V6 engine in conjunction with the aero, transmission and tire tweaks. Bottom line, it gets the job done, and with the S400 BlueHybrid being the least expensive in the S lineup, it’s a compelling offering indeed.
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Pricing: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
Night View Assist $2500) Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives
Specifications
Competitors
Crash test results
Manufacturer’s web site
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- What’s New: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- What’s New: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- What’s New: 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- What’s New: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
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