2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup gains a new gas/electric hybrid model. The S400 Hybrid is this German brand's first hybrid passenger car. It pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 295 hp total. It uses a 7-speed automatic transmission. The S400's hybrid system is capable of shutting off the engine while slowing down and at a stop, but the car cannot accelerate solely on electric power. It does not require plug-in charging.

The rest of the S-Class lineup offers a few new features for 2010. Rear-wheel-drive S550 and all-wheel-drive S550 models have a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. The high-end S600 reprises a turbocharged 5.5-liter 510-hp V12. The S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes' AMG performance division. S63 uses a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 while the S65 has a 604-hp 6.0-liter turbocharged V12. S550 and S63 models have a 7-speed automatic transmission while V12 S-Class versions use a 5-speed automatic.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts and applies additional braking force. New is Mercedes' ATTENTION ASSIST driver-fatigue alert, which sounds a chime and displays a warning in the instrument cluster if sensors detect a driver who might be drowsy at the wheel. Also included is Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporates a video screen and console-mounted "joystick" knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepts voice commands.

Available features include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera and Mercedes' Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control.