The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been recognized as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment, often hailed as “the finest car in the world.” For the 2010 model year, Mercedes-Benz introduced a groundbreaking addition to this prestigious lineup: the S400 HYBRID. This model wasn’t just another S-Class; it represented a significant leap forward in automotive technology, blending V8-level performance with remarkable fuel efficiency, thanks to its innovative hybrid powertrain. The S400 HYBRID was particularly notable for being the first car to feature a lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive applications, setting a new standard for hybrid vehicles in the luxury market.
A New Era of Hybrid Performance in the Luxury Segment
The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID was engineered to deliver a driving experience that mirrored the power of a V8 engine while achieving significantly improved fuel economy. This was accomplished through a sophisticated hybrid system that combined a 275-horsepower V6 gasoline engine with a 20-horsepower electric motor. This dynamic duo worked in harmony, providing ample power and an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway – an impressive figure for a vehicle in this class. The heart of this hybrid system was its lightweight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery, a world-first in automotive engineering. This advanced battery technology was crucial in delivering both performance and efficiency, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and sustainable luxury.
The 2010 S-Class Lineup: A Spectrum of Luxury and Power
The S400 HYBRID debuted alongside the restyled 2010 S-Class range, which included a variety of models catering to different performance preferences. The lineup featured the robust 382-hp V8-powered S550 and the all-wheel-drive S550 4MATIC, offering traditional V8 power and all-weather capability. For those seeking high-performance thrills, the S63 AMG boasted a formidable 518-hp engine. The V12 range included the opulent 510-hp S600 and the top-of-the-line 604-hp S65 AMG, representing the pinnacle of S-Class luxury and power. The S400 HYBRID positioned itself uniquely within this spectrum, offering a compelling alternative that prioritized efficiency without compromising the luxurious experience expected from an S-Class.
Freshened Styling and Enhanced Interior Refinements
The entire 2010 S-Class sedan line, including the S400 HYBRID, received a styling refresh, enhancing its sophisticated and elegant appearance. The updates included a more streamlined front grille, larger, more functional outside mirrors, and a redesigned front bumper featuring a chrome strip below the air intakes, adding a touch of modern flair. The headlights were upgraded to new active bi-xenon units with integrated LED turn signals along the lower edge, further enhancing visibility and aesthetics.
Excluding the S400 HYBRID, other 2010 S-Class models were equipped with LED daytime running lights on each side of the bumper, contributing to a more distinctive and contemporary front fascia. Further exterior enhancements included redesigned LED tail lights and exhaust outlets seamlessly integrated into a recontoured rear bumper, creating a cohesive and polished look. Inside the cabin, the 2010 S-Class models, including the S400 HYBRID, featured an upgraded wood and premium-leather steering wheel, adding to the tactile luxury of the interior. Standard ambient lighting offered a customizable atmosphere with three selectable hues – polar (ice-blue), neutral (white), and solar (amber), allowing drivers to tailor the cabin ambiance to their preferences. A rear-seat entertainment system was also made available, enhancing the passenger experience for those in the back.
Cutting-Edge Safety Technologies for Enhanced Driver Assistance
Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive safety, and the 2010 S-Class, including the S400 HYBRID, was no exception. It incorporated six new safety features designed to enhance driver awareness and potentially mitigate accidents. These included ATTENTION ASSIST, a groundbreaking system designed to detect driver drowsiness; Lane-Keeping Assist, which gently warned drivers of unintentional lane departures; Nightview Assist Plus with pedestrian detection, improving visibility in low-light conditions; Adaptive Highbeam Assist, automatically adjusting headlight beams to avoid dazzling other drivers; and PRE-SAFE Brake, now capable of initiating full 100-percent braking in emergency situations. Furthermore, the ABC active suspension system was enhanced with a new crosswind stabilization system, improving vehicle stability in challenging wind conditions.
Innovative ATTENTION ASSIST: Detecting Driver Drowsiness
One of the most notable safety innovations in the 2010 S-Class was the ATTENTION ASSIST system (standard on all models except the initial S400 HYBRID release, later included). This system was designed to combat driver fatigue, a significant factor in road accidents. ATTENTION ASSIST worked by analyzing over 70 parameters, including steering behavior, using a steering sensor and intelligent software to create a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of a journey. Between speeds of 50 and 112 mph, the system could detect erratic steering corrections indicative of drowsiness. If detected, it would issue an audible warning and display a “Time for a rest?” message with a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster, prompting the driver to take a break.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Lane Keeping and Adaptive Highbeams
Beyond ATTENTION ASSIST, the 2010 S-Class boasted other advanced driver assistance systems. Lane Keeping Assist used a multi-purpose camera to monitor lane markings and would vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver if the vehicle drifted out of its lane without the turn signals activated at speeds above 37 mph. Adaptive Highbeam Assist also utilized the same camera to detect headlights and taillights of other vehicles, automatically and smoothly adjusting between high and low beams to optimize illumination without blinding other drivers. This system allowed for a variable headlight range from 220 feet up to an impressive 1,000 feet.
Enhanced Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection
Night View Assist PLUS represented a significant advancement in night-driving safety. This system could detect pedestrians up to 325 feet earlier than previous systems. When pedestrians were detected, the system highlighted them with an outlined frame in the instrument cluster display. Unlike passive thermal imaging systems, Night View Assist PLUS used active infrared technology, bathing the road ahead with invisible infrared light from two beams integrated into the headlights. An infrared camera in the windshield captured the reflected images, displaying them as detailed black and white video in the instrument cluster, extending the driver’s vision range to nearly 500 feet in the dark.
PRE-SAFE Brake: Automatic Emergency Braking
The PRE-SAFE Brake system, particularly when coupled with DISTRONIC PLUS, offered a significant safety enhancement. This system could automatically apply full braking force in emergency situations to mitigate or prevent collisions. When PRE-SAFE Brake detected an impending collision using DISTRONIC PLUS radar, it would issue a series of warning tones. Approximately 1.6 seconds before a likely impact, it would initiate partial braking and activate PRE-SAFE occupant protection measures. If the driver still did not react, full emergency braking would be applied about 0.6 seconds before the estimated collision time, effectively acting as an “electronic crumple zone” to reduce impact severity. PRE-SAFE Brake built upon the original PRE-SAFE system introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2002, which already included features like pre-tensioning seatbelts and adjusting seat positions in anticipation of a collision.
Additional Driver Assistance and Convenience Features
The Distronic Plus system also incorporated Blind Spot Assist, which monitored the vehicle’s blind spots. If a turn signal was activated while a vehicle was detected in the blind spot, the driver would receive both visual and audible warnings. The radar-based Distronic Plus also enabled Parking Guidance as part of the Parktronic system. Using six radar sensors, Parking Guidance could scan for suitable parking spaces at low speeds and display a “P” in the instrument cluster if a space was large enough. When reversing, the system provided a top-view pictogram of the car and offered steering guidance to assist with parking maneuvers. For 2010 S-Class models equipped with ABC active suspension, a new crosswind stabilization feature was integrated into the system software. This system could detect crosswinds and, within milliseconds, use the suspension’s servo pistons to adjust wheel load distribution and stabilize the vehicle, relying on signals from the ESC yaw and lateral-acceleration sensors. Another new feature for 2010 was Direct-steer, a mechanical system with variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack. Direct-steer provided enhanced on-center steering feel and increased responsiveness beyond the initial steering angle, reducing steering input needed during cornering and low-speed maneuvers like parking.
Torque Vectoring Brake for Enhanced Handling
Standard on all 2010 S-Class models except the S400 HYBRID, a new Torque Vectoring Brake feature within the ESC stability control system was designed to sharpen steering response during more spirited driving. When the system detected sharp, aggressive steering inputs, it would apply brief braking pulses to the inside rear wheel, helping to pivot the vehicle and improve handling agility.
S400 HYBRID: Fuel Efficiency Without Compromise
The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID was engineered to deliver a remarkable 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to a comparable S550 model. This efficiency was achieved through the integration of a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, a magneto-electric motor, and sophisticated hybrid electronics. The electric motor contributed 20 horsepower and an impressive 118 lb.-ft. of starting torque, while the gasoline engine produced 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A powerful onboard computer managed the hybrid system, performing calculations 160 times per second to optimize operating modes and maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance. This system was capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, demonstrating the advanced technology at play.
The 120-volt lithium-ion battery, a key innovation, was lighter and more compact than traditional batteries but offered high energy density. This allowed it to be placed in the engine compartment without compromising trunk or interior space. The battery was housed in a high-strength steel casing with a dedicated cooling circuit, and its cells were encased in a special gel to dampen shocks and vibrations, ensuring durability and reliability. Classified as a “mild hybrid,” the S400 HYBRID utilized its gasoline engine and electric motor in a cooperative manner to provide responsive performance. Its driveline included a specially configured seven-speed automatic transmission, a transformer to power the 12-volt vehicle systems, and intelligent operating electronics. The disc-shaped electric motor was positioned within the torque converter housing, between the engine and transmission, for seamless integration.
Start-Stop Function and Energy Recuperation
The hybrid system incorporated a convenient start-stop function that automatically shut off the gasoline engine when the vehicle slowed below nine mph while braking to a stop, such as at traffic lights. During engine shutdown, essential systems like the AC compressor and steering pump remained electrically powered, ensuring continued comfort and functionality. When the brakes were released, the gasoline engine would restart automatically, working in conjunction with the electric motor for smooth and responsive acceleration. During braking, the electric motor acted as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity and storing it in the lithium-ion battery. Under heavier braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes would also engage. This recovered energy was then reused by the electric motor, further enhancing fuel efficiency.
Atkinson-Cycle Engine Optimization for Hybrid Synergy
Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for fuel efficiency by employing the Atkinson cycle principle. By delaying the closing of the intake valves, the intake stroke became effectively longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. While Atkinson cycle engines can inherently produce less low-speed torque, this was perfectly compensated for in the hybrid application. The electric motor effectively augmented the V6 engine, providing excellent throttle response and acceleration performance. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine featured modifications such as different cylinder heads, pistons, and camshafts, along with adjusted variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump, all contributing to improved fuel economy.
Uncompromised Luxury and Distinctive Hybrid Styling
The S400 HYBRID offered the same level of interior space, luxury appointments, and convenience features as other S-Class models. Visually, it was distinguished by unique seven-twin-spoke 18-inch wheels and HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dashboard, as well as BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders, subtly signaling its advanced hybrid powertrain. The speedometer included a special hybrid pictogram displaying energy flow, energy recovery, and battery charge status, providing real-time feedback on the hybrid system’s operation.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop-and-Go Functionality
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system utilized radar sensors to maintain a pre-set following distance from the vehicle ahead. The advanced system could bring the car to a complete stop and automatically resume acceleration, proving particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS operated at speeds up to 125 mph and employed both short-range 24-gigahertz radar and longer-range 77-gigahertz radar to cover a wide detection range of over 160 yards.
Brake Assist and Adaptive Brake Lights
Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering Brake Assist system, standard since the late 1990s, was further enhanced in the 2010 S-Class. Brake Assist Plus, in models equipped with Distronic Plus, not only provided emergency braking assistance but also measured the distance to the vehicle ahead and adjusted brake pressure if the driver’s braking was deemed insufficient. The S600 and S65 AMG models featured adaptive brake lights that could flash rapidly during emergency braking, a feature designed to reduce rear-end collisions. These rapidly flashing LED brake lights were triggered primarily by the Brake Assist system.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2010 S-Class incorporated an advanced audio head unit capable of reading data from USB sticks or SD cards, providing convenient access to digital music libraries. The system displayed data on the COMAND screen, and music selection could be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel. The audio unit included integrated Bluetooth, HD radio, a 7.2-gigabyte Music Register, SIRIUS-XM satellite radio with real-time traffic data, and Zagat hotel, restaurant, and golf rating information, offering a comprehensive suite of infotainment features.
AMG Styling and Performance Variants
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic and enhanced performance, the S63 AMG offered exclusive AMG body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension, and a high-performance brake system. AMG-specific styling cues included a muscular front bumper with large air intakes and LED daytime running lights, “6.3 AMG” fender badges, contoured side skirts, and an AMG rear apron with twin tailpipes. Inside, the S63 AMG featured an AMG sport steering wheel, AMG multi-contour leather sport seats, and an exclusive analog clock inspired by the “IWC-Ingenieur” series. The S63 AMG’s suspension and brake systems were tuned for high-performance driving, with AMG-tuned ABC active suspension and selectable transmission shift programs.
V12 Power in the S600 and S65 AMG
The V12-powered S-Class models, the S600 and S65 AMG, represented the pinnacle of S-Class luxury and performance. The S600, powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb.-ft. of torque, offered effortless power and refinement. The S65 AMG, developed by AMG, featured a hand-built six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine generating even more astonishing power, making it the world’s quickest four-door sedan at the time. AMG enhancements for the S65 AMG included unique body styling, 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, and an exclusive interior with AMG sport seats and trim. Both V12 models showcased the ultimate expression of S-Class luxury and performance.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID was a truly innovative vehicle, seamlessly blending luxury, performance, and efficiency. As the first automotive application of a lithium-ion battery, it paved the way for future hybrid technologies in the luxury segment. Its advanced safety features, refined styling, and uncompromised S-Class luxury made it a compelling choice for discerning buyers seeking a greener yet still powerful and sophisticated sedan. The S400 HYBRID stood as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and delivering vehicles that were both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious.
