Did Mercedes prove a hybrid S-class to be sensible? Well in comparison to the Lexus LS600hL and BMW 7-Series hybrid, the new S-400 proved to be surprisingly rational and sensible. Not only does it cost less but it also downsizes from the S500’s 382-hp V-8 to a combined output of 295 horsepower. To compare, the Lexus and BMW hybrids come at a premium of tens of thousands of dollars, the S400 is the cheapest S-Class, by $3,650, starting at $88,825.

When transforming the S-Class into the mild hybrids, it cannot run on electric power alone. The hybrid gear adds an additional 65-pounds and is shoebox sized, 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack under the hood and a 50-pound electric motor sandwiched between the engine and a seven-speed automatic. Although the extra weight added, the S400 is a total of 4594 pounds, which is still the lightest ninth-generation S-class tested.

Source: Car and Driver

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