Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID is this German automaker’s first gas/electric hybrid car. S400 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that teams with an electric motor for 295 horsepower total. The only transmission is a 7-speed automatic.

The S400’s hybrid system is capable of shutting off the engine while slowing down and at a stop, but it can’t accelerate solely on electric power. No plug-in charging is required. Available on the S400 (and the rest of the 2010 S-Class lineup) is Mercedes’ ATTENTION ASSIST, which sounds a chime and displays a warning in the instrument cluster if sensors detect a driver who might be drowsy at the wheel. Other available features include heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, and heated and cooled rear seats.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID should arrive at dealerships in late summer. Pricing has not been announced, but it should cost more than the $89,350 suggested price for a rear-drive S550 sedan.